03 Sep 2022
As it gets ready to assume the G20 presidency this December, the world’s third largest emitter is moving beyond a transition strategy based squarely on solar development, instead branching out into emerging fields such as hydrogen and battery storage.The most abundant yet elusive chemical element, hydrogen is not found in nature in its pure form: it needs to be extracted from compounds such as natural gas, biomass or water by using an electrical current, a process called electrolysis. When the power used to obtain hydrogen comes from renewable sources, the resulting fuel – which only emits water vapour when consumed for energy – is fully carbon neutral. Countries’ growing need for green hydrogen and its derivatives may not match their capacity to produce it, the policy says, which will enhance international trade. And as the Covid pandemic and recent energy crisis have shown, green fuels and feedstock are a way to shield energy systems from supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. Lawmakers conclude that the current volatility of the global energy markets represents “a unique opportunity for India to capitalise on its abundant renewable energy and the growing global demand for Green Hydrogen”. The policy seizes the moment by creating a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, boosting supply, demand and infrastructure. As part of a robust supply chain, it will encourage the creation of hydrogen hubs where the fuel is produced and consumed locally, avoiding transportation costs and physical risks. The goal is to boost India’s production capacity to 5 MMT per year by 2030, from today’s negligible levels, potentially doubling the target once exports pick up. If achieved, the goal would match the EU’s hydrogen ambitions.
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