India is looking to export Green Hydrogen to European Union nations like France, Italy, and Germany. It is also targeting nations like the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden for its green hydrogen exports.
To seek exports, the center is sending the proposals through the Ministry of External Affairs under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
The Article 6.2 (and 6.3) of the Paris Agreement are not about markets but they lay a framework on how to account for transfers between parties and what conditions need to be met. These internationally transferable climate change mitigation outcomes can arise from various mitigation approaches, whether they are mechanisms, procedures, or protocols. The agreement’s provisions will facilitate the exchange of Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), which are quantified in terms of carbon credits, between different countries.
A report from the National Green Hydrogen Mission reveals that bilateral negotiations with Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are already in progress for the purpose of signing such agreements. Furthermore, the second meeting of the empowered group operating under the mission took place earlier this month.
The report, also states that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency has officially announced the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023. In addition to this, green hydrogen and its derivatives will be allocated carbon credits in accordance with the methodology developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, is in the process of formulating Monitoring, Reporting, Verification (MRV) guidelines for the scheme.
Last year in August, the Centre allowed the transfer of Carbon Credit to countries that buy green hydrogen from it. A framework in this regard is being worked out with Japan. Pilots for a second green steel project—using hydrogen to make steel—is also underway.
Green ammonia derivative of green hydrogen is the
preferred form to transform the fuel. Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water and hydrogen using electrolysers which are run by renewable energy sources.
Pilot Projects in India
Apart from this, three Ministries—Steel, Ports, and MoRTH— have been working on pilot projects and fund allocations.
While the Steel and Port Ministries are yet to come up with “themes and structures” for the pilot projects, the Ports Ministry has revealed that it is developing common user facilities near major ports like Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin. Kolkata Port is also working with NTPC to explore the possibility of having a green hydrogen hub at the port.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is “conducting discussions on route selection by availability of hydrogen fuelling stations with IOCL,” the committee report mentioned adding that the process (of route selection) will be concluded by October. The first phase of pilots is likely by FY24-end.
Additional supported initiatives encompass pilot programs for delivering reliable and readily dispatchable power by utilizing green hydrogen as a storage medium, a project that is nearing completion, as highlighted in the report. Furthermore, a preliminary concept document has been prepared for hydrogen hubs, and it is anticipated that an Expression of Interest (EoI) will be initiated in November.
