India’s Vision of Green: The Rise of Defined Green Hydrogen

As a significant stride towards the realization of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government of India has taken a significant leap by officially introducing the Green Hydrogen Standard for the country. This pivotal action, led by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), establishes clear and specific emission benchmarks that hydrogen, derived from renewable sources, must satisfy in order to receive the classification of being 'Green'.

The scope of this standard extends to encompass both electrolysis-based and biomass-based methodologies for hydrogen production, underscoring a holistic and comprehensive approach to the sustainable creation of hydrogen.

Following extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, the MNRE has defined Green Hydrogen as hydrogen characterized by well-to-gate emissions. This encompasses various stages such as water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and hydrogen compression. The emissions produced throughout these stages must not surpass two kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent for every kilogram of hydrogen generated (2 kg CO2 equivalent/kg H2).

The notification also underlines that a meticulous and detailed methodology for measuring, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives will be formulated by the Ministry.

In a well-considered strategic move, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, operating under the Ministry of Power, has been entrusted with the responsibility of being the central authority for accrediting agencies. These agencies will be tasked with overseeing the monitoring, verification, and certification of projects related to the production of Green Hydrogen.

With this landmark development, India proudly joins the league of a limited number of countries globally that have officially outlined the concept of Green Hydrogen.