BharatNotes
Green Hydrogen
/ɡriːn ˈhaɪdrədʒən/Hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable energy sources (solar, wind, or hydropower), resulting in zero carbon dioxide emissions during production — considered the cleanest form of hydrogen and a key enabler of the global energy transition, particularly for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, shipping, and heavy transport.
Context & Background
India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, targeting production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030. Currently, ~95% of global hydrogen is grey (fossil-fuel-based), making the transition to green hydrogen a massive industrial challenge.
UPSC Exam Relevance
GS3 (Science & Technology, Energy Security, Environment). Prelims: definition; colour coding (green/blue/grey); electrolysis; National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023). Mains: hydrogen economy — challenges of cost, storage, and infrastructure; India's green hydrogen strategy; comparison with battery electric vehicles.
