Government policies and incentives for green hydrogen development
Green hydrogen has emerged as a key solution to address the challenges of energy security, climate change and sustainable development. The Indian government has recognized the potential of green hydrogen as a clean energy source and is taking several initiatives to promote its development.
The Indian government has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, which includes a significant share of green hydrogen. In 2021, the Indian government announced the National Hydrogen Mission (NHM) to promote the production and use of hydrogen as a fuel. The mission aims to scale up hydrogen production, reduce the cost of production, and create a market for hydrogen in various sectors.
Under the NHM, the government has announced various policies and incentives to promote the development of green hydrogen. These include:
- Fiscal incentives: The Indian government provides several fiscal incentives, including subsidies, tax exemptions, and concessions, to promote the use of green hydrogen. These incentives aim to reduce the cost of production and encourage private sector participation in the development of green hydrogen.
- R&D support: The government has set up several research and development (R&D) programs to promote the development of green hydrogen technology. These programs aim to support the development of new technologies, reduce the cost of production, and increase the efficiency of hydrogen production.
- Infrastructure development: The Indian government is focusing on the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including hydrogen refueling stations, pipelines, and storage facilities. The government aims to establish a network of hydrogen refueling stations across the country to promote the use of hydrogen as a fuel.
Despite the government's efforts, there are several challenges associated with the development of green hydrogen in India. These include:
- High cost of production: The cost of production of green hydrogen is currently high due to the high cost of renewable energy sources and the limited availability of electrolyzers. The Indian government needs to focus on reducing the cost of production to make green hydrogen competitive with conventional fuels.
- Lack of infrastructure: The development of hydrogen infrastructure requires significant investment, and the lack of infrastructure is a major barrier to the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel.
- Limited awareness: There is limited awareness about green hydrogen among stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and end-users. The government needs to undertake awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of green hydrogen and encourage its adoption.
In conclusion, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote the development of green hydrogen. These initiatives include fiscal incentives, R&D support, and infrastructure development. While there are several challenges associated with the development of green hydrogen in India, the government's focus on promoting green hydrogen as a clean energy source is expected to drive its adoption in the coming years.