Govt issued Guidelines for using Green Hydrogen in Transport Sector

The Indian government has released guidelines for conducting pilot projects aimed at using Green Hydrogen in the transportation sector. These guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

• With the cost of renewable energy and electrolyzers decreasing, it is expected that vehicles that use green hydrogen will become cost-competitive in the next few years. 
• The Ministry will implement pilot projects for replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector with Green Hydrogen and its derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, along with other initiatives. 
• These pilot projects will be carried out by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Scheme Implementing Agencies nominated under this Scheme.
• The program will support the development of technologies for using Green Hydrogen as fuel in buses, trucks, and four-wheelers. Additionally, the program aims to support the development of infrastructure such as hydrogen refueling stations.

About National Green Hydrogen Mission

On January 4, 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Making India a leading global producer and supplier of green hydrogen

2. Creating export opportunities for green hydrogen and its derivatives

3. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock

4. Developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities

5. Industrial development through attracting investment and business opportunities

6. Creating employment and economic development opportunities

7. Supporting R&D projects

India plans to achieve energy independence by 2047 and net zero emissions by 2070. To achieve this goal, India's Energy Transition emphasizes increasing the use of renewable energy across all economic sectors. Green hydrogen is a promising alternative for enabling this transition. Hydrogen can be used for long-term storage of renewable energy, replacing fossil fuels in industries, clean transportation and potentially decentralized power generation, aviation and marine transport.

Green Hydrogen:

• Green hydrogen is a type of fuel that is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is done using electrolyzers that are powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
• This type of fuel is very important for India's energy security because India currently imports 85% of its total mineral oil and 53% of its gas requirements.