Q. Consider the following heavy industries:

Fertilizer plants
Oil refineries
Steel plants

Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Answer: (c) All three

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity. Production of green hydrogen causes significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than production of grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels without carbon capture.
The primary focus for adoption of green hydrogen is likely to be oil refineries, fertilisers and chemical industry. Oil refineries using grey hydrogen for desulphurisation, ammonia production for fertilisers and chemicals industry, and treatment of basic metals are the leading market opportunities for green hydrogen in the short-medium term.
- Oil refineries, fertiliser companies and steel producers are likely to be asked to meet a compulsory green hydrogen purchase obligation (GHPO) in a planned national move to green energy.
Reasons to Develop Green Hydrogen:
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 
  - The primary reason for developing green hydrogen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. The use of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation is a major contributor to global emissions.
  - Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, emits zero greenhouse gases, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source.
- Energy Security and Independence: 
  - Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and their prices can fluctuate due to global supply and demand. By developing renewable energy sources like green hydrogen, countries can become more energy-independent and less vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
- Creating New Industries and Jobs: 
  - The development of green hydrogen can create new industries and jobs, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen require specialized expertise and infrastructure, which can generate employment opportunities. 
  - According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2018 and is expected to create more than 42 million jobs by 2050.
- Decarbonizing in Sectors which are Difficult-to-Decarbonize: 
  - The potential to substitute fossil fuels with green hydrogen is significant, especially in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as heavy industry and aviation. These sectors contribute significantly to global emissions, and the use of green hydrogen can help reduce their carbon footprint.
- Technological Advancements: 
  - The development of green hydrogen can drive technological advancements and innovations in various sectors. The production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen require new technologies and infrastructure, which can spur the development of new materials, processes, and systems.
Applications of Green Hydrogen:
- Green Hydrogen as Replacement to Fossil Fuel in Agriculture:
  - Green hydrogen has the potential to replace traditional fertilizers in agriculture through the production of ammonia using renewable energy sources.
  - Ammonia is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers, and the current production process relies on natural gas, which is a fossil fuel and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
  - Green ammonia produced with help of green hydrogen is carbon-free, green ammonia has other benefits over traditional fertilizers, including improved efficiency and reduced soil acidity.
  - However, the production of green ammonia at scale will require significant investment in infrastructure and the development of new technologies. Currently, the production of green ammonia is more expensive than traditional ammonia production, which may limit its adoption in the short term.
- Green Hydrogen-Powered Farm Machinery: 
  - Farm machinery like tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems require a lot of energy to operate. Green hydrogen-powered farm machinery can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still delivering the power required to carry out essential farm tasks.
  - Green Hydrogen for Water Management: 
  - Water is a precious resource, and managing it efficiently is critical for sustainable agriculture. Green hydrogen can be used to power desalination plants that convert saltwater into freshwater, reducing our reliance on scarce freshwater resources.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell:
  - A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water and heat.
  - Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce zero emissions, making them an attractive alternative to gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. They have a longer range than battery electric vehicles and can be refuelled in minutes, making them more convenient for long-distance travel.
  - Green hydrogen production can be done using waste materials like municipal solid waste and agricultural waste. This can help to reduce waste and promote sustainable development.
- Increase in Energy Efficiency: 
  - Green hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells, which are more energy-efficient than traditional combustion engines. This can help to reduce energy consumption.

India’s Key Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen:

National Hydrogen Mission: 
- The mission was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 and aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
- The mission will also facilitate demand creation, pilot projects, R&D, skill development, standards and regulations, and policy framework for green hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen Consumption Obligations: 
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to introduce green hydrogen consumption obligations for fertilizer and the petroleum refining industry, like the renewable purchase obligations for electricity distribution companies.
  - The obligations will require these industries to consume a certain percentage of green hydrogen in their total hydrogen consumption.
Green Hydrogen Hubs: 
- The MNRE has identified regions that can support large scale production and/or utilization of green hydrogen and develop them as green hydrogen hubs.