Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India

Why in the News?

Recently, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy launched Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI). 

About GHCI

• It has been launched under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). 
• Objective: To create a robust framework for certifying Green Hydrogen production and ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility.
  • It will help in developing detailed methodology for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, onsite verification, and certification of GH and its derivatives.
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Eligible Hydrogen Production Pathways: Electrolysis and Conversion of Biomass.
• Verification: Green Hydrogen producers shall get conducted annual verification by an Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agency. 
• Green Certification: On meeting the average emission intensity (non-biogenic) requirements of 2 kg CO₂ eq/kg H₂ or less.
  • It is non-transferable or tradeable and cannot be claimed for any emission reduction credits.

What is Green Hydrogen (GH₂)?

• Refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis, which splits water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, etc.
  • It is also produced with the help of gasification of biomass.
• Key Applications: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), Industry (Fertilizer Refinery), Transport (Road, Rail), etc.

About National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), 2023 Objective: To make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. Duration: Phase I (2022-23 to 2025-26) and Phase II (2026-27 to 2029-30). Key components: Facilitating demand creation through exports and domestic utilization. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, which includes incentives for manufacturing of electrolysers, etc. Pilot Projects for steel, mobility, shipping, decentralized energy applications, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen storage, etc. Development of Green Hydrogen Hubs  Establishing a robust framework of regulations and standards. Research & Development programme.

Conclusion

To unlock the full potential of green hydrogen in India, a multi-pronged approach is essential—reducing production costs, offering targeted incentives for manufacturing electrolyser, investing in R&D, promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPP), etc.