Daily Current Affairs : 19-October-2024
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a major initiative launched by the Union Government to boost India’s green energy goals. With a focus on decarbonizing key industries, including steel production, this mission is an important part of India’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future. Let’s take a closer look at its objectives, the pilot projects being undertaken, and the expected outcomes.
Overview of the Mission
The mission has been allocated a budget of ₹19,744 crore for the period up to FY 2029-30. The key objectives of the mission are:
- Establishing India as a Global Hub: India aims to be a leading producer, user, and exporter of green hydrogen.
- Decarbonizing Major Sectors: Special focus is given to industries such as steel, mobility, and energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Pilot Projects in Steel Production
As part of the mission, the government has sanctioned three pilot projects specifically aimed at using green hydrogen in the steel industry. These projects have been granted a financial support of ₹347 crore. The aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels in steel manufacturing.
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT)
To support the growth of green hydrogen in India, the SIGHT program has been introduced. It focuses on:
- Domestic Manufacturing of Electrolysers: Electrolysers are key to producing green hydrogen from water using renewable electricity.
- Promoting Green Hydrogen Usage: Encouraging industries to shift towards hydrogen as a cleaner energy source.
Expected Outcomes by 2030
By the year 2030, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is expected to achieve significant milestones:
- Green Hydrogen Production: The mission aims for at least 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen production annually.
- Renewable Energy Capacity: An addition of 125 GW of renewable energy capacity is expected to support this goal.
- Investment and Job Creation: Over ₹8 lakh crore is expected to be invested, leading to the creation of approximately 6 lakh jobs.
- Reduction in Fossil Fuel Imports: The mission aims to reduce fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 lakh crore.
- Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The initiative could prevent the release of 50 MMT of greenhouse gases every year.
Phased Implementation
The mission will be carried out in two phases:
- Phase I (2022-26): Focuses on creating demand and deploying green hydrogen in existing industries that already use hydrogen.
- Phase II (2026-30): Expands to new sectors and aims to commercially scale up the production and use of green hydrogen.
Important Points:
National Green Hydrogen Mission has been allocated ₹19,744 crore up to FY 2029-30 for green hydrogen initiatives.
Key Objectives:
- Establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use, and export.
- Focus on decarbonizing industries like steel, mobility, and energy.
Pilot Projects in Steel Industry:
- Three pilot projects have been sanctioned with ₹347 crore financial support.
- Aim to demonstrate the use of green hydrogen in steel production.
SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition):
- Focuses on incentivizing domestic manufacturing of electrolysers.
- Promotes green hydrogen production and its use in industries.
Expected Outcomes by 2030:
- 5 MMT of green hydrogen produced annually.
- 125 GW of renewable energy capacity to support hydrogen production.
- ₹8 lakh crore investment in green hydrogen.
- Creation of 6 lakh jobs.
- Reduction in fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 lakh crore.
- Prevent 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase-wise Implementation:
- Phase I (2022-26): Focuses on demand creation and early-stage deployment in existing hydrogen-using industries.
- Phase II (2026-30): Expansion into new sectors with commercial scaling of green hydrogen.
Why In News
As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Union Government has sanctioned three pilot projects aimed at using hydrogen in steel production, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry and promoting cleaner, more sustainable manufacturing processes.
MCQs about National Green Hydrogen Mission
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Which of the following industries is NOT a focus of the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s decarbonization efforts?
A) Steel
B) Mobility
C) Energy
D) Textile
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What is the expected annual green hydrogen production target by 2030 under the mission?
A) 1 MMT
B) 5 MMT
C) 10 MMT
D) 2 MMT
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What is the primary goal of the SIGHT program under the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
A) To develop fossil fuel alternatives
B) To promote international exports of hydrogen
C) To incentivize domestic manufacturing of electrolysers
D) To decrease energy consumption in industries
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