Context:
The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) begins the 41st Steering Committee Meeting in New Delhi.
More on the news
- The IPHE Meeting was dedicated to academic outreach and highlighted the role of R&D and innovation in accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen.
- Experts from around the world are meeting to discuss ways to make hydrogen a more economical and environmentally friendly fuel source.
International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE)
- The IPHE is an organization that is dedicated to advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies globally.
- Biannual meetings are held by the IPHE Steering Committee which serves as a platform for fostering international collaboration and coordination among member countries, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
- These meetings also facilitate information exchange on policy and technical developments, helping to identify key areas for collaboration which inform subsequent initiatives in member countries.
- Established in 2003, the IPHE collaborates with 23 member countries and the European Commission. The United Arab Emirates was the most recent country to join in 2022.
- Members: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Objectives:
- Promote Hydrogen Economy: Increase adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in transportation, industry, and power generation.
- Support R&D: Enhance efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization.
- Advocate for Policies: Assist member countries in developing supportive policies to incentivize investment in hydrogen solutions.
- Facilitate Global Collaboration: Promote international cooperation for knowledge sharing and joint initiatives to accelerate progress.
About Green Hydrogen:
- Green hydrogen a clean-burning fuel produced by splitting water molecules (H2O) using renewable energy like solar or wind, is emerging as a frontrunner in the race for a sustainable energy future.
- Unlike its “grey” and “blue” counterparts produced from fossil fuels (often with emissions), green hydrogen boasts the unique advantage of zero greenhouse gas emissions during production.
- This makes it a highly attractive option for decarbonizing various sectors traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.
Benefits:
- Clean burning: No harmful emissions, unlike fossil fuels.
- Versatile: Decarbonizes transportation, industry, and power generation.
- Storage solution: Addresses the intermittency of renewables like solar and wind.
Challenges:
- Cost Reduction: Address high production and infrastructure costs through innovation and economies of scale.
- Infrastructure Scaling: Expand hydrogen production, distribution, and refueling infrastructure to meet growing demand.
- Technological Innovation: Invest in R&D to improve hydrogen storage, fuel cell durability, and renewable production methods.
India’s initiatives towards Green Hydrogen
The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in January 2023, aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum by 2030. This target is linked to setting up 125 GW of additional renewable energy capacity to power the electrolysis process for green hydrogen production.
- Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
- Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted through the production and use of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen
- Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) provides financial incentives for Electrolyser Manufacturing and Green Hydrogen Production.
- The government is working on establishing efficient supply chains for transporting, storing, and distributing green hydrogen for both export and domestic consumption.
Way ahead:
- By addressing these challenges and opportunities collaboratively, the IPHE meeting can pave the way for a future powered by clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel cell technologies.