Why this matters now
Green hydrogen is a flagship of India’s net-zero-by-2070 and energy-security strategy. It is examined for the colour spectrum of hydrogen, the mission’s targets and instruments, and the sectors it can decarbonise — a strong GS-3 link between energy, environment and industry.
What green hydrogen is
Hydrogen is classified by how it is produced:
- Grey — from natural gas/coal (high emissions);
- Blue — grey + carbon capture;
- Green — made by electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy — near-zero emissions.
Green hydrogen (and its derivative green ammonia) can store renewable energy and serve as a clean fuel and feedstock.
The mission and its targets
- Target: ~5 million tonnes (MMT) of annual green-hydrogen production capacity by 2030 (with associated renewable capacity and large emission/import savings);
- SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) — incentives for domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green-hydrogen production;
- Support for pilot projects in steel, mobility and shipping; green-hydrogen hubs; and standards/regulation.
Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors
Green hydrogen targets the sectors that are hardest to electrify — fertilisers (green ammonia), oil refining, steel, long-haul transport and shipping. It also reduces India’s fossil-fuel import bill and can become an export opportunity. Challenges: the current high cost, the need for cheap renewable power and electrolysers at scale, storage and transport, and building demand.
UPSC angle
Know the hydrogen colour spectrum (grey/blue/green), the mission’s 5 MMT-by-2030 target and SIGHT incentives, and the hard-to-abate sectors (steel, fertiliser, refining, shipping) it targets.
Frequently asked questions
What is green hydrogen?
Hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, giving near-zero emissions — unlike grey hydrogen (from fossil fuels) or blue (fossil + carbon capture).
What is the target of the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
To build about 5 million tonnes of annual green-hydrogen production capacity by 2030 and make India a global green-hydrogen hub.
What is SIGHT?
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition — the mission’s incentive programme for domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green-hydrogen production.
Which sectors can green hydrogen decarbonise?
Hard-to-abate sectors like fertilisers, steel, oil refining, long-haul transport and shipping, where direct electrification is difficult.