About Hydrogen:
- lightest and most abundant element in the universe.
- Used in various industries including chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and as a potential clean fuel.
- Types of Hydrogen:
- Grey Hydrogen:
- Source: Produced from natural gas or methane using steam methane reforming (SMR).
- Emissions: Releases significant amounts of CO2, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Blue Hydrogen:
- Source: Produced in the same way as grey hydrogen, but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to capture and store the emitted CO2.
- Emissions: Lower emissions compared to grey hydrogen due to carbon capture.
- Green Hydrogen:
- Source: Produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power.
- Emissions: Zero emissions during production, making it a clean and sustainable energy source.
About Green Hydrogen:
- Production Process:
- Electrolysis: Splitting water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using an electric current. When the electricity used comes from renewable sources, the hydrogen produced is termed green hydrogen.
- Applications:
- Fuel Cells: Used in fuel cells to generate electricity for vehicles, buildings, and portable power systems.
- Industrial Processes: Used in steel production, ammonia synthesis, and other chemical processes as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
- Power Generation: Can be blended with natural gas for cleaner power generation or used in hydrogen turbines.
- India’s National Hydrogen Mission:
- 2021: Launched to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
- Target: Aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Why in the News?
Hydrogen is emerging as a promising option to propel India’s energy revolution and was in focus due to World Environemnt day on June 5.

