NITI Aayog Member VK Saraswat said on Friday that preparations are underway to produce hydrogen from nuclear energy. Such hydrogen, he said, will be cheaper compared to gas produced through conventional methods. Saraswat also said that the National Hydrogen Mission is being accelerated, with a focus on boosting the production and storage of green hydrogen.
Hydrogen from nuclear energy
Stating that preparations are underway to generate hydrogen from nuclear energy, the distinguished scientist said that trials have been rolled out for blending hydrogen with CNG.
His remarks come at a time when major economies, including India, are focusing on hydrogen as an environmentally friendlier fuel compared to fossil fuels. The Centre is promoting hydrogen blending with CNG under its push for greener transport fuels. Blending the two gases offers benefits such as reduced emissions, and improved fuel efficiency.
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The Narendra Modi administration’s hydrogen push is part of its broader energy transition plan towards net-zero carbon goals.
Saraswat also said that subsidies are being offered for electrolysers and fuel cells. These technologies are used in producing hydrogen fuel in an environmentally friendlier manner. He added that auto manufacturers are stepping up efforts on hydrogen-powered buses.
The Tata group is working on hydrogen charging infrastructure projects in the country, Saraswat noted.
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Under the hydrogen mission, the Centre has initiated pilot projects to deploy hydrogen fuel cell trucks and buses across multiple routes in the country. Major auto makers — including Tata Motors — are involved in these projects.
Saraswat is a distinguished scientist with decades of experience in defence research.
He retired as Secretary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – the national defence research and development agency – after a long career in government service.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
Launched in 2023, the green hydrogen mission aims to take the country towards a hydrogen-based economy and position it as a global leader in hydrogen energy. Investments worth more than Rs 8 lakh crore are targeted for this initiative, expected to take the country’s green hydrogen capacity to five million metric tonnes during this period. The mission is also estimated to generate about 6 lakh jobs.
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Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:
How much investment is targeted under the mission by 2030?
Over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments are expected to flow in.
What is the planned green hydrogen capacity?
India is looking to produce 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030.
How many jobs will this create?
The mission is expected to create nearly 6 lakh jobs.
Which other renewable programmes support India’s energy security goals?
Alongside the hydrogen mission, key schemes include the National Solar Mission, the PM Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli scheme.
