Daily Current Affairs : 21-Augut-2023
In a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has recently introduced the Green Hydrogen Standard. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the quest for clean energy solutions. In this essay, we will explore what green hydrogen is, its immense potential, and delve into the details of the newly established Green Hydrogen Standard.
Understanding Green Hydrogen
Production Process
Green hydrogen, often hailed as the future of clean energy, is produced through the process of electrolysis. It involves splitting water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity. What sets green hydrogen apart is the source of this electricity. Unlike conventional hydrogen production, green hydrogen relies on electricity generated exclusively from renewable energy sources. This means that the carbon intensity of green hydrogen depends directly on the carbon neutrality of the electricity used in the process. The more renewable energy in the electricity fuel mix, the ‘greener’ the hydrogen becomes.
Versatile Applications
The beauty of green hydrogen lies in its versatility. This clean-burning element has the potential to decarbonize a wide range of sectors. It can be a game-changer in industries such as iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. Furthermore, hydrogen has a unique advantage in that it can be stored for extended periods, providing a reliable energy source that can be used to produce electricity through fuel cells when needed.
Green Hydrogen Standard: A Closer Look
Defining Green Hydrogen
The Green Hydrogen Standard introduced by the MNRE sets a clear benchmark for what can be classified as green hydrogen. According to this standard, hydrogen is considered green if it has a well-to-gate emission of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen. This measurement takes into account the entire production process, from water treatment to electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and compression of hydrogen.
Scope of the Standard
One notable aspect of the Green Hydrogen Standard is its inclusivity. It covers both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods. This inclusiveness acknowledges that green hydrogen can be produced through various sustainable means, not limited to a single process. Moreover, the standard extends its scope to include green energy preserved in energy storage systems. This recognizes the importance of storing renewable energy efficiently for future use.
Enforcing Emission Thresholds
To be classified as ‘Green,’ hydrogen production must adhere to the emission thresholds specified in the standard. This means that hydrogen can only bear the coveted green label when it is derived from renewable sources, meeting the stringent emission requirements set forth by the MNRE.
Important Points:
Understanding Green Hydrogen
- Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using electricity generated exclusively from renewable sources.
- The carbon intensity of green hydrogen depends on the carbon neutrality of the electricity source.
- It is versatile and can decarbonize various sectors, including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation.
- Hydrogen can be stored for extended periods and used to generate electricity via fuel cells.
Green Hydrogen Standard: A Closer Look
- Green hydrogen is defined as having a well-to-gate emission of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.
- The standard covers both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods.
- It extends its scope to include green energy preserved in energy storage systems.
- Hydrogen can only be classified as ‘Green’ when derived from renewable sources and meeting emission thresholds.
Why In News
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has officially announced the Green Hydrogen Standard for India, signaling a significant step towards sustainable energy practices. This standard sets the framework for the production and utilization of green hydrogen, bolstering India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy solutions.
MCQs about India’s Green Hydrogen Standard
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What sectors can green hydrogen potentially decarbonize?
A. None, green hydrogen has no practical applications.
B. Green hydrogen can only be used in the automotive industry.
C. Green hydrogen can decarbonize sectors like iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation.
D. Green hydrogen is primarily used for cooking and heating.
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What emission threshold must green hydrogen production meet to be classified as ‘Green’ according to India’s Green Hydrogen Standard?
A. No specific threshold is required.
B. A well-to-gate emission of not more than 10 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.
C. A well-to-gate emission of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.
D. A well-to-gate emission of not more than 5 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.
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What is the primary advantage of using green hydrogen in various industries?
A. Green hydrogen is cheaper than conventional hydrogen.
B. Green hydrogen is blue in color.
C. Green hydrogen has a lower energy density.
D. Green hydrogen can help decarbonize industrial sectors like iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation.
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