Context:
Union Minister of Steel inaugurates India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector, located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar paving the way for sustainable steel production.
Key highlights
- It will be the world’s first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the world’s first Green Hydrogen plant with rooftop & floating solar.
- This project is also a state-of-the-art green hydrogen facility with a target to reduce carbon emissions considerably by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per annum and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next two decades.
- India’s progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter and aiming to become the world’s largest producer of crude steel.
- One key initiative in this journey is the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched last year to make India a Global Hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. The Mission is also supporting pilot projects in the steel sector.
Significance
- India marks a significant step towards a greener economy through the adoption of clean technologies.
- It drives India’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Encourages industries to actively participate in India’s transformative journey towards sustainable development.
- Creation of valuable employment opportunities underscores the socio-economic benefits of green initiatives.
- Positions India as a pioneer in green hydrogen technology and reinforces its commitment to climate action on the global stage.
- The project not only aligns with the government’s vision but also creates valuable employment opportunities, showcasing the potential of responsible industrial practices.
Based on production methods and environmental impact, hydrogen can be categorized into several types:
Green Hydrogen:
- Produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it does not produce CO2 emissions during production.
- Considered the cleanest form of hydrogen and plays a crucial role in decarbonizing various sectors.
Gray Hydrogen:
- Produced from fossil fuels, typically natural gas, through steam methane reforming (SMR) or coal gasification.
- Generates carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during production, contributing to climate change.
- Most common type of hydrogen currently produced worldwide.
Blue Hydrogen:
- Similar to gray hydrogen, produced from fossil fuels (natural gas or coal) using SMR or gasification.
- Utilizes carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to capture and store CO2 emissions, reducing environmental impact.
- Aims to mitigate carbon emissions associated with hydrogen production, making it a transitional solution towards cleaner energy.
Turquoise Hydrogen:
- Produced from natural gas, but with carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology.
- Carbon emissions from production are captured and converted into useful products, reducing overall environmental impact.
- Offers a lower carbon footprint compared to gray hydrogen but is not entirely emission-free.
Pink Hydrogen:
- Produced using nuclear energy through high-temperature electrolysis or thermochemical processes.
- Uses heat generated from nuclear reactors to power hydrogen production, minimizing carbon emissions.
- Provides a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel-based hydrogen production methods.
Brown Hydrogen:
- Produced from coal through gasification.
- Similar to gray hydrogen, it generates significant CO2 emissions during production.
- Less common and less environmentally favorable compared to other types of hydrogen due to the environmental impact of coal mining and combustion.