Green hydrogen is not a holy grail of the energy transition

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Infrastructure/Environment

Source: DTE

 Context: According to a new report, contrary to its spotless reputation, green hydrogen is not the key to the energy transition.

Green hydrogen:

• It involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable energy sources like sunlight/wind.
• It accounted for only 0.04% of globally produced hydrogen in 2021.

Limitations of the green hydrogen – dubbed as the ‘fuel of the future’:

• Energy inefficient → 30% of renewable energy is lost while producing hydrogen.
• Indirectly contributes to global warming → when it reacts with hydroxyl radicals (responsible for breaking down and eliminating methane – a potent GHG) → could lead to delayed climate action.
• Large-scale production requires vast amounts of land, water and renewable energy, which could lead to human rights violations and energy poverty.

How is the world progressing with green hydrogen?

• The European Union (EU): Intends to increase green hydrogen production capacity as part of the bloc’s REPowerEU plan to 20 million tonnes.
• India:

Why (in spite of obstacles) are countries making progress with green hydrogen?

• Fossil or grey hydrogen accounts for 99% of the globally produced hydrogen.
• A huge lobby linked to fossil fuels is pushing the hydrogen agenda to lock in detrimental infrastructure, as well as production and consumption models.

Conclusion: The corporate-driven green hydrogen race unfolding in Europe follows centuries-old colonial patterns –

• Resources are being appropriated to fuel Europe’s economy,
• While negative impacts like ecological damage and land conflicts are conveniently outsourced to the periphery (African countries).

Insta Links:

Powering the Amrit Kaal through an integrated approach to ensure energy security

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2019)