Why In News?
India launches its first large-scale green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, sparking debates on balancing clean energy goals with coastal livelihood protection.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas produced via the electrolysis of water utilizing electricity sourced entirely from renewable energy (solar, wind, or hydropower).
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This process yields zero carbon emissions, releasing only water vapour as a byproduct during fuel cell combustion.
Why is Green Hydrogen Important?
Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Green hydrogen directly replaces coking coal and grey hydrogen in steel, fertiliser, shipping, and heavy transport sectors where direct electrification remains unfeasible.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Imports: The fuel offsets India's heavy reliance on imported crude oil (89%) and natural gas (43%).
Supporting Net-Zero Target: The initiative aims to abate nearly 50 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning with India's 2070 net-zero target.
Enabling Green Derivatives: Green hydrogen facilitates the Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes without emitting carbon byproducts.
Enhancing Energy Security: The transition diversifies the national energy mix away from coal, which currently accounts for over 62% of India's electricity generation.