India establishes Green Hydrogen benchmarks capping emissions at 2 kg CO2 and requiring 9 liters water per kilogram
Distilled Policy Brief
- Green hydrogen is generated through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, serving as a zero-emission fuel carrier to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors including fertilizers, petroleum refining, steel manufacturing, heavy transport, and shipping.
- The production process requires approximately nine liters of demineralized water per kilogram of hydrogen and is supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission to build domestic manufacturing capacity and demand.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Focus on the MNRE Green Hydrogen Standard benchmark (<= 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2 on a well-to-gate basis) and the water feedstock benchmark (~9 liters demineralized water per kg H2).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the strategic role of Green Hydrogen in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors and its contribution toward achieving India's Net-Zero emission target by 2070.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to Green Hydrogen and its applications in India's energy transition, consider the following statements: 1. It is produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, emitting only water and heat as byproducts when used in fuel cells. 2. The production process requires approximately nine liters of demineralized water per kilogram of hydrogen. 3. Fertilizer production, petroleum refining, and steel manufacturing are key sectors where green hydrogen can substitute fossil-fuel-based inputs. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. Green hydrogen is generated by splitting water using renewable energy and releases no pollutants or greenhouse gases during fuel cell operation. Its production requires approximately nine liters of demineralized water per kilogram of hydrogen, and it directly targets hard-to-abate sectors like fertilizers, petroleum refining, and steel manufacturing.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.