National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) ( UPSC Prelims)

News Context

The Centre has introduced the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

About GHCI

Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
 Purpose: Develop a comprehensive methodology for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, onsite verification, and certification of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
 Nodal Authority: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
 Certification details:
  ● Certification Scope: Operates at the project level for green hydrogen production. Processes such as transport and storage of hydrogen outside plant boundaries, and conversion into hydrogen carriers, are excluded from the certification scope.  
  ● Two Types: Concept (voluntary) and facility level certificate (mandatory).  
      ○ Calculation of GHG emissions intensity for green hydrogen production shall follow the MNRE Green Hydrogen Emission Calculation Methodology.
  ● ‘Green’ Certification is conditional on meeting average emission intensity requirements of 2 kg CO₂eq/kg H2 or less.  
      ○ The certificate is non-transferable and cannot be claimed for any emission reduction credits.

About Green Hydrogen

 ● Hydrogen generated via electrolysis involves breaking down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity sourced from renewable energy like solar and wind.  
  ● Applications: It aids in decarbonizing industries such as steel production, refineries, fertilizer plants, transportation, and energy storage.  
  ● Challenges in adoption include the high cost of producing green hydrogen, the need for high-pressure tanks and cryogenic temperatures for storage, a requirement of up to 9 liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen, and a high electricity demand.  
      ○ It can be utilized directly as a fuel for internal combustion, mixed with natural gas for heat or power generation, or employed in hydrogen fuel cells to power vehicles.

About NGHM

 ● Launched in 2023 to establish India as a Global Hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.  
  ● Target: Achieve an annual production of 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen by 2030.  
  ● Key Components: Includes the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program and the establishment of Green Hydrogen Hubs.  
      ○ Recently, three ports, Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu, and Paradip Port Authority in Odisha, have been officially designated as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the NGHM.
      ○ A 1 MW Green Hydrogen Power Plant (GHPP), built indigenously, was commissioned at Kandla Port.