12 Sept 2023
India's Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has outlined a bold vision for the country, emphasizing the need to transition to green fuels as India's economy continues to grow. In his address at a conference on 'Green hydrogen pilots in India' organized by NTPC Ltd, Singh highlighted the shipping sector's imminent shift towards green energy within the next decade.
A Green Shipping Revolution
"Globally, shipping will go green within 10 years. So, we have to emerge as a refuelling destination for all green ships, since we can provide them green hydrogen or green ammonia or whatever fuel they want at the lowest cost," Singh stated. This strategic ambition aligns with India's push to position itself as a key green hydrogen refuelling hub for the shipping industry.
To achieve this, Singh emphasized the importance of preparing bunkers at shipyards and establishing pilot projects for green shipping. He also revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Shipping to advance these initiatives.
Pioneering Green Energy Storage
In addition to India's ambitions in the shipping sector, Singh confirmed the government's plans to utilize green ammonia and green hydrogen as energy storage solutions. Singh explained that certain companies have developed turbines capable of using hydrogen or ammonia to generate electricity.
These initiatives represent initial endeavors, with the potential for scaling up to ensure round-the-clock renewable power. This approach offers a homegrown solution to India's growing energy demands while reducing dependence on large-scale lithium battery imports.
Singh emphasized the urgency of this strategy, given India's rapid economic growth and increasing energy needs. The goal is to establish round-the-clock renewable energy systems using green hydrogen or green ammonia as storage solutions, reinforcing India's commitment to sustainable and indigenous energy solutions.
Advancing the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem
Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, provided insights into the progress of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). He mentioned that the research and development (R&D) roadmap for NGHM is nearing completion and will be unveiled soon. This roadmap will outline critical research areas essential for the development of a robust green hydrogen ecosystem.
Additionally, Bhalla highlighted the development of necessary regulations, codes, and standards. Recommendations have been forwarded to relevant agencies, including BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization), and OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate), to adopt the relevant standards.
Furthermore, India recently introduced its 'Green Hydrogen Standard,' imposing strict limits on carbon dioxide emissions per kilogram of hydrogen, demonstrating the country's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
As India moves forward with its green hydrogen initiatives, the nation is poised to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, particularly in the shipping industry and energy storage sector.