What is India’s new definition of Green Hydrogen?

India Announces Definition of Green Hydrogen

The Government of India has announced the Definition of Green Hydrogen for the country, marking a significant milestone that brings clarity and boosts the ecosystem for production, utilization and global trade.

The definition specifies key sustainability criteria and coverage of all production pathways. With this notification, India positions itself amongst the leading countries committed to adoption of green hydrogen for meeting climate goals and just energy transition.

This article discusses the recent announcement made by India regarding the definition of green hydrogen.

Overview

Background

The India’s ambitious climate goals and its aim to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix sets the context for the announcement of the definition of green hydrogen.

As part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, India recognizes the importance of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, offers a promising solution as it can be used across various sectors such as refining, fertilizers, steel, and transport. This clean alternative has gained global momentum due to factors like energy security, decarbonization, and technological leadership.

In line with this trend, India has earlier launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to scale up green hydrogen production and utilization. Now India has defined what is Green Hydrogen to achieve its renewable energy targets.

What is the New definition of Green Hydrogen ?

New Definition

‘Green Hydrogen’ is usally defined as hydrogen produced through renewable energy sources. But the new definition attaches emmission standards to it, how much is the green house gases emmission from all stages?

The Government of India has established specific standards for the production of green hydrogen, which is produced through two pathways: electrolysis of water using renewable electricity and conversion of biomass.

For both the production route, it is mandated that greenhouse gas emissions from various stages such as water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, and compression should not exceed 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced. This threshold is determined as a 12-month average.

These standards aim to ensure that green hydrogen production minimizes its environmental impact by utilizing sustainable energy sources and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Official Notification Definition GoI

Source

"Green Hydrogen" shall mean Hydrogen produced using renewable energy, including, but not limited to, production through electrolysis or conversion of biomass. Renewable energy also includes such electricity generated from renewable sources which is stored in an energy storage system or banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations.

Whereas, for Green Hydrogen produced through electrolysis:- The non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of Hydrogen (kg CO2 eq/kg Hydrogen), taken as an average over last 12-month period.

Whereas, for Green Hydrogen produced through conversion of biomass:-The non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from biomass processing, heat/steam generation, conversion of biomass to hydrogen, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of Hydrogen (kg CO2 eq/kg Hydrogen) taken as an average over last 12-month period.

Production methods

One of the major production methods for hydrogen involves electrolysis using renewable electricity or the conversion of biomass. The emissions associated with biomass-based production include those from biomass processing, heat generation, conversion of biomass to hydrogen, gas purification, and compression. These emissions should be lower than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen, calculated as a 12-month average.

The new standards set by India aim to ensure that green hydrogen has low lifecycle emissions. By encompassing both electrolysis and biomass conversion methods, the standards provide flexibility to account for variations in production processes while maintaining a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This threshold aligns with global benchmarks for low carbon hydrogen and emphasizes sustainable production practices in the pursuit of clean energy solutions.

Need for Standards

Lack of universal standards for certifying green hydrogen

Lack of harmonized standards for certifying hydrogen as environmentally sustainable poses challenges for investors and stakeholders in the global market.

The absence of universal consensus regarding the thresholds for classifying hydrogen as ‘green’ has resulted in varying standards and limits proposed by different countries and organizations. Consequently, issues arise for companies planning investments in production projects, as they are uncertain about the benchmarks that will be set for exports.

Similarly, buyers in the international market seek certainty that the hydrogen and ammonia being traded meet sustainability criteria. This lack of uniform certification standards hinders smooth trading operations and impairs transparency within the green hydrogen market.

To alleviate these challenges, it is crucial to establish a globally accepted framework that can provide clarity and assurance to all stakeholders involved in this emerging industry.

Clarity required for investments and trade

Establishing clear and universally accepted definition of Green Hydrogen and standards for certifying hydrogen as environmentally sustainable is essential to provide investors and stakeholders with the necessary clarity and confidence needed for making informed decisions regarding investments and trade in the emerging green hydrogen market.

The lack of standardized definitions hampers India’s ability to attract both domestic and foreign investors, as there is uncertainty around which projects would qualify for incentives and subsidies. By setting clear emissions limits, India can signal its commitment to the green hydrogen sector and provide transparency to potential investors.

Furthermore, standardized definitions will enable India to develop global trade partnerships and agreements for export of green hydrogen, boosting its position as a leader in this field. Clarity on certification standards also allows for effective tracking of production from renewable sources, contributing to national energy accounting frameworks.

India’s Green Hydrogen Standard

• Emission threshold of 2 kg CO2 eq per kg H2
• Covers electrolysis and biomass-based production
• BEE designated as nodal agency for accreditation

The emission threshold of 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced has been specified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for India’s definition of environmentally sustainable hydrogen.

This definition of Green Hydrogen and standard applies to all technologies, including electrolysis and biomass-based production. The notification sets out specific criteria for both electrolysis and biomass pathways, ensuring that emissions from water treatment to compression of hydrogen do not exceed 2 kg CO2eq/kg H2 as a 12-month average for electrolysis, and emissions from biomass processing to hydrogen compression are lower than 2 kg CO2eq/kg H2 as an annual average for the biomass pathway.

India’s decision to set such ambitious sustainability criteria for green hydrogen puts it at the forefront globally. The emission threshold aligns with international green hydrogen certification schemes and will be applicable to all projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

To ensure adherence to these standards, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for accrediting institutions that will verify and certify green hydrogen projects. BEE will establish detailed procedures for monitoring, auditing, and certification against the emissions norm.

Significance

• Brings clarity for green hydrogen ecosystem in India
• Makes India among first countries to define green hydrogen
• Enabler for National Green Hydrogen Mission

One of the notable contributions of the government’s notification of green hydrogen standards is its potential to stimulate investment and participation in the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

By establishing clear criteria for what qualifies as green hydrogen, the government has provided clarity and certainty for producers, consumers, and investors. This official definition and verification process energizes investments and encourages companies to participate in the policy initiatives of the Mission.

Additionally, the notification enables the framing of regulations and incentives to boost green hydrogen production while facilitating procurement by public sector undertakings to create demand.

India’s ambitious sustainability criteria further reinforces its climate leadership and net-zero commitments globally.

Way Forward

To advance the implementation of green hydrogen standards, a comprehensive roadmap should be developed to address challenges related to production, infrastructure development, and technology innovation.

This roadmap will provide a clear direction for stakeholders in the green hydrogen industry and facilitate effective planning and execution of projects.

The roadmap should outline specific strategies for increasing green hydrogen production capacity through the deployment of advanced technologies and the establishment of dedicated infrastructure.

Additionally, it should address key issues such as cost reduction, scalability, and integration with existing energy systems.