National Hydrogen Mission

 

1)‘National Hydrogen Mission’ was announced in August 2021 to produce carbon-free fuels from renewable resources and to make India a global hub of production as well as export of green hydrogen. The ultimate aim of this mission is to attain self-reliance in energy production and to achieve the set target by 2047 so as to celebrate the 100 years of independence. This is to increase the usage of natural gas in the economy from renewable sources. To achieve this target, a roadmap has been set for making India self-reliant in energy sector for which a Pan-India network of CNG and piped-natural gas is laid out which will help in achieving 20% ethanol blending target. National Hydrogen Mission will bring drastic changes in the energy sector and will contribute in gas-based cleaner economy.

 

2)Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, through proton exchange membrane electrolysis and is also produced by steam methane reforming which utilises fossil fuels. So as to make cleaner and greener environment, the government has decided to produce green hydrogen through renewable electricity and electrolysis which is expected to be achieved by 2050. This will help in reducing the burden of import dependency and will strengthen the mission for gas-based sustainable development.

 

3)The Government has proposed to extract ethanol from sugarcane and other bio-elements in helping production of cleaner energy