India unveiled its first National Hydrogen Policy in January this year with an aim to boost production and use of cleaner sources of energy. The 2021-22 budget allocated Rs. 1500 crore for renewable energy development. Issues faced with current systems include high AT&C losses, inefficient distribution, and billing, The plan will focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources and on linking India’s growing renewable capacity with the hydrogen economy. It will also effectively integrate renewable energy in the present energy mix. This will be done by scaling up the gas pipeline infrastructure across the country and introducing smart grids. Green hydrogen (GH) producers are to be exempt for 25 years from paying inter-state transmission charges. Bulk consumers will now also be exempted from paying ISTC till 2045. The MOP policy assures GH producers open access to renewable energy generators anywhere in the national grid. Currently, all of India’s hydrogen, about 6 million tonnes annually, is gray. By 2050, nearly 80% of India’s hydrogen is projected to be ‘green’. To speak about this emerging topic, we have Rajat Seksaria, CEO at Acme Solar which is among the largest Renewables company in India. In this episode, he speaks about topics such as additions that can be made to the national hydrogen policy, pros and cons of hydrogen as a fuel, how the hydrogen policy fits within India's push towards green energy, and more.
