ASSOCHAM's Hydrogen Policy Study_ An interactive Session with Shri Amitabh Kant CEO NITI Aayog

The Government of India has set up Hydrogen Mission under the aegis of MNRE with an objective to define India’s role and commitment towards energy transition.  While India has set a path for enhancing energy security for its increasing requirements, though in an environment friendly manner. The Government of India has set targets across cleaner fuels including natural gas, bio fuels, renewable energy, such that green fuels contribute to higher proportion of total energy requirements by 2030. Hydrogen can be a game changer for India, as it can create a strong alignment between the economy’s energy needs, energy security and environment with several enablers already in place.  

Hydrogen is an excellent energy carrier with the highest energy content per unit mass among other fuels and it provides immense opportunity to achieve the emission reduction targets especially in hard to abate Industrial sectors. The usage of Hydrogen in oil refining and transportation sector is well known for desulphurization, meeting BSVI standards, and reducing CO2 emissions.  The recent mandate to allow use of H-CNG (18% mix of hydrogen) in CNG engines for transportation as clean fuels has been taken to reduce emission levels. Oil refineries are planning to set up pilot hydrogen units. Further, green hydrogen as a substitute to grey hydrogen can help India achieve its emission reduction targets effectively.

A strong policy perspective is required to achieve the goal. ASSOCHAM took lead and initiated captioned Hydrogen Policy Study, early this year. The ASSOCHAM study deals with cross ministerial demand and supply issues and recommendations. ASSOCHAM will share findings and recommendations with NITI Aayog, MNRE, MoRTH, MoPNG and MoCF.