Que : What are the major concerns regarding hydrogen energy in India? Also, discuss the role of National Green Hydrogen Mission in achieving the net zero emission target.

    India is currently among the top three major countries in the world in terms of energy consumption. India’s energy needs are largely dependent on fossil fuels, which poses economic as well as environmental challenges for India. Therefore, meeting energy needs from green hydrogen can bring multidimensional benefits to India.

• Challenges related to hydrogen energy in India.

• Insufficient development of technology: No significant breakthrough has been achieved in this technology sector yet. Which makes this technology more expensive and more complex.
  
•  Limited production of renewable energy: To achieve the target of 5 MMT green hydrogen production by the year 2030, approximately 115 GW of renewable energy will be required for this sector alone. As against which India’s total production is only 125 GW.
  
• Very expensive technology: This technology is currently more expensive than other energy alternatives. It costs about $2 per kilogram to produce.
  
•  Water requirement issues: 8 to 9 liters of water are used to produce 1 kilogram of hydrogen, which can increase water scarcity. Also, this technology may prove to be unprofitable for water-scarce areas.
•  Storage issues: Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, which requires special infrastructure development for its storage. In addition, questions arise regarding its transportation.
  
• Contribution of Green Hydrogen Mission to achieving net zero emission targets
  

•  Reduction in dependence on fossil fuels: India currently derives more than 70% of its energy supply from fossil fuels. Hydrogen energy can be a panacea to these problems.
  
•  Production method: Generally, “grey hydrogen” emits 9 to 12 kg of carbon dioxide in its production, as against which it is almost negligible in green hydrogen.
  
• Multidimensional use: It is capable of supplying energy needs in the transport sector, industrial sector, energy for household consumption, etc.
  
• Revolution in the transport sector: In India, the cost of logistics and transportation is very high, along with the toxic substances produced by it which are also harmful to the environment. Hydrogen can be a good alternative to both these problems.

•  Way forward:

• Ensure that sufficient and cheap supply is available to meet the need for renewable energy.
•  The government should consider providing all necessary support for local efforts for the development of technology.
•  Ensure that essential resources like water are used sustainably and efficiently
•  Create a system that encourages research and development.

•  Conclusion:
                Hydrogen is called the “Fuel of Future”. It is almost impossible to deny its need and development. Therefore, India needs to invest and promote it especially in research and development. For which, creating strong initiatives and infrastructure is a basic requirement.