Green Hydrogen is the fuel of stars and packs awesome energy. Hydrogen is the most abundant in the whole known universe. It is not a primary source of fuel unlike sunlight and air, it is present in compound state like hydrocarbons or water on earth. This means either it needs to be extracted or produced, and needs to be stored before use.
According to the World Energy Council (WEC) combustion of 1 kilo of hydrogen releases times as much energy as1 kilo of by products of crude oil.
HOW IS IT PRODUCED?
Not a lot of people know that hydrogen is not just hydrogen but is classified as ‘grey’, ’green’, or ’blue ’ hydrogen. The color depends on the process of extracting the gas.
The conventional hydrogen produced is produced via carbon intensive process from fossil fuels. Because of the carbon involved this process, the hydrogen produced in grey in colour hence the name grey hydrogen is given.
When this grey hydrogen is stored in carbon capture and storage process (CCS) processes, the hydrogen becomes blue hydrogen. But both these processes are quite expensive.
There are other colors of hydrogen as well like turquoise which is produces by methane pyrolysis. It can be used in tire manufacturing. On the other hand pink hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water using nuclear energy.
But green hydrogen is the only type produces in a climate neutral manner meaning it could play a vital role in global efforts to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050.
CHALLENGES IN HYDROGEN ENERGY USE
While the cost of developing technologies to produce green hydrogen are cost intensive. But falling renewable energy and fuel cell prices stringent climate change requirements have provided an impetus for the investments in this area.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been supporting various projects in academics, research and development. Currently 14 RD&D projects are currently under progress with IITs, IIScs and Banaras Hindu University. They are exploring the different aspects of hydrogen production.
WHAT IS NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION?
In August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced launch of National Hydrogen Mission. This aims to make India a global hub for hydrogen production and export.