Syllabus 

GS 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context:

Kerala is set to commission South India’s first green hydrogen plant and refueling station near the Kochi airport at Nedumbassery 

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This green hydrogen plant and refueling station is expected to be commissioned by mid-May 2025.

This is the first green hydrogen plant inside an Indian airport being jointly developed by:

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) – responsible for building and operating the ₹25-crore, 1000-kilowatt green hydrogen plant.
• Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) – providing land, water, and renewable energy resources.

CIAL also plans to roll out a hydrogen-powered bus using fuel cells developed by Pune-based KPIT Technologies. If the trials are successful, three additional buses will be introduced.

The BPCL is also setting up another hydrogen refuelling station in Thiruvananthapuram.

Plant Capacity and Operations

Capacity: 1,000-kilowatt plant producing 200 kg of green hydrogen daily.

Technology: Four electrolysers generating 200 Normal Cubic Metres (NNG) of hydrogen per hour.

The initial output will be used to power the vehicles in the airport, while the commercial sale of the fuel to the public will begin at a later stage when more hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are introduced in the state.

The hydrogen refuelling stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapurm are part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and aims to:

• Support pilot mobility projects between the two cities.
• Enable safe and sustainable hydrogen-powered public transport.
• Promote research through Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Program.

Green Hydrogen:

• It is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectric power to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
• Another method of producing GH2 is from biomass, which involves the gasification of biomass to produce hydrogen.
• It is environment-friendly and sustainable, as it does not produce CO2 emissions during production.
• It is recognised as a cleanest future fuel and aligns with carbon-neutral strategies..

Advantages of Green Hydrogen

• Green Hydrogen is 100% Sustainable and Produces zero emissions during both production and use.
• The production of green hydrogen can be done using excess renewable energy that is produced during off-peak hours. This can be stored and used later as needed.
• It can be converted into electricity or synthetic gas for use in transport, industry, or homes.
• It has the potential to replace traditional fertilizers in agriculture through the production of ammonia using renewable energy sources. Ex. Green ammonia produced with help of green hydrogen is carbon-free.
• It can be used to power desalination plants that convert saltwater into freshwater, reducing our reliance on scarce freshwater resources.
• It can be produced and stored on-site, making it a reliable and consistent source of energy for industrial processes.
• It can be used to power fuel cells, which are more energy-efficient than traditional combustion engines.
• It can fuel ‘Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)’, offering longer driving ranges and faster refuelling times compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
• It can be blended with natural gas in existing pipelines and distribution networks, gradually integrating green hydrogen into the energy system and reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas consumption.

Disadvantages of Green Hydrogen

• High Cost: Production via electrolysis using renewables is expensive.
• Energy Intensive: Requires more energy than conventional fuels to produce.
• Safety Risks: Highly flammable and volatile, demanding strict safety measures.
• Limited Infrastructure: Green hydrogen requires the development of a robust infrastructure for its production, storage, and distribution.

Government Initiatives: 

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): It targets 5 MMT annual production by 2030, positioning the country as a global exporter of clean hydrogen and derivatives.

• It involves SIGHT initiative provides financial incentives for domestic electrolyser manufacturing, accelerating India’s transition to a self-reliant, green hydrogen-powered economy.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Green hydrogen is being seen as a transformative solution to India’s clean energy transition. In this context, discuss the significance of South India’s first green hydrogen plant in Kerala and evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling green and natural hydrogen in India.