With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements: 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?
Contents22
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Show answer
Answer: (C) All three
All three are correct:
Green hydrogen can fuel internal combustion engines because hydrogen has a wide flammability range.
Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in pipelines — NTPC launched India's first such project in Surat.
Green hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are zero-emission vehicles that only produce water as exhaust.
Answer is (c) All three.
Green hydrogen became a major policy focus after India's National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in 2023 with a budget of ₹19,744 crores to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
The question tests understanding of hydrogen's versatility across three different applications - direct combustion, gas blending, and fuel cells - which are the key pathways outlined in India's hydrogen strategy.
Green Hydrogen Production
Environment green hydrogen
Green Hydrogen: Production Methods & Sustainability
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy through electrolysis of water
Differs from grey hydrogen (fossil fuels) and blue hydrogen (fossil fuels + carbon capture)
Key component of India's National Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021
What is Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar or wind. This process, called electrolysis, produces only hydrogen and oxygen with zero carbon emissions.
Hydrogen Color Codes
Type | Production Method | Carbon Emissions | Status in India |
|---|---|---|---|
Grey Hydrogen | Steam methane reforming (fossil fuels) | High CO₂ emissions | Current majority production |
Blue Hydrogen | Fossil fuels + carbon capture & storage | Low CO₂ emissions | Pilot projects planned |
Green Hydrogen | Electrolysis using renewable energy | Zero emissions | Target: 5 MMT by 2030 |
India's Green Hydrogen Policy
National Hydrogen Mission: ₹19,744 crore allocated for green hydrogen ecosystem
Production target: 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030
Export target: Become global hub for green hydrogen production and export
Incentives: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electrolyzer manufacturing
Green Hydrogen Hubs: Dedicated zones in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other renewable-rich states
Hydrogen Fuel Applications
Environment internal combustion fuel
Hydrogen as Direct Fuel: Internal Combustion Applications
Hydrogen can directly fuel internal combustion engines with modifications
Has wide flammability range making combustion efficient across conditions
Produces only water vapor as exhaust when burned in pure form
Hydrogen Combustion Properties
Hydrogen has a wide flammability range (4-75% in air) and high flame speed, making it suitable for internal combustion engines. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion produces only water vapor and heat.
Hydrogen vs Conventional Fuels
Property | Hydrogen | Gasoline | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
Flammability Range | 4-75% in air | 1.4-7.6% in air | 0.6-5.5% in air |
Energy Content | 120 MJ/kg | 44 MJ/kg | 43 MJ/kg |
Combustion Product | Water vapor only | CO₂ + water + pollutants | CO₂ + water + pollutants |
Storage Challenge | High pressure/cryogenic | Liquid at room temp | Liquid at room temp |
Engine Modifications Required
Fuel injection system: Modified to handle hydrogen's low density and high flame speed
Combustion chamber: Redesigned to prevent pre-ignition and backfire
Storage system: High-pressure tanks (350-700 bar) or cryogenic storage
Safety systems: Leak detection and ventilation due to hydrogen's invisible flame
Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blending
Environment blended with natural gas heat or power generation
Hydrogen Blending with Natural Gas: Infrastructure & Projects
Hydrogen can be blended up to 20% with natural gas in existing pipelines
NTPC launched India's first hydrogen blending project in Surat, Gujarat
Reduces carbon intensity of natural gas without major infrastructure changes
Blending Benefits
Hydrogen blending allows gradual transition to cleaner energy by reducing the carbon intensity of natural gas. Existing pipeline infrastructure and appliances can handle up to 20% hydrogen without major modifications.
Hydrogen Blending Limits
Infrastructure | Safe Blending % | Modification Required | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
Existing pipelines | Up to 20% | Minimal | Residential heating, cooking |
Gas turbines | Up to 30% | Burner modifications | Power generation |
Industrial boilers | Up to 15% | Combustion system tuning | Industrial heating |
Domestic appliances | Up to 20% | None for most appliances | Cooking, water heating |
India's Blending Projects
NTPC Kawas: First hydrogen blending project with natural gas in Gujarat (2022)
Gujarat Gas Corporation: Pilot project for 2-6% hydrogen blending in Surat
GAIL: Planning hydrogen blending in Jagdishpur-Haldia pipeline
Target: Scale up to 10% blending across gas grid by 2030
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Environment hydrogen fuel cell run vehicles
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): Technology & Advantages
FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for electric motors
Only emission is water vapor — truly zero-emission vehicles
3-5 minute refueling time with 400-600 km range per tank
How Fuel Cells Work
In a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from air to produce electricity, water, and heat. This electricity powers electric motors, making FCEVs a type of electric vehicle with hydrogen as the energy source.
FCEV Operation Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Hydrogen Storage**
High-pressure tanks store hydrogen at **350-700 bar**`"]
s2["`**Fuel Cell Stack**
Hydrogen + oxygen → electricity + water + heat`"]
s3["`**Electric Motor**
Generated electricity powers the vehicle's motor`"]
s4["`**Water Exhaust**
Only byproduct is **pure water vapor**`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4FCEV vs Battery Electric Vehicles
Aspect | Hydrogen FCEV | Battery EV |
|---|---|---|
Refueling Time | 3-5 minutes | 30 minutes - 8 hours |
Range | 400-600 km | 200-500 km |
Weight | Lighter (no heavy battery) | Heavier (large battery) |
Infrastructure | Limited hydrogen stations | Growing charging network |
Cost | Higher vehicle cost | Lower vehicle cost |
Efficiency | ~40% well-to-wheel | ~70% well-to-wheel |
India's FCEV Development
National Hydrogen Mission: Promotes FCEV adoption in public transport and logistics
Indian Oil Corporation: Testing hydrogen fuel cell buses in Delhi and Haryana
Tata Motors & Ashok Leyland: Developing fuel cell commercial vehicles
Hydrogen stations: Target to establish 1000+ refueling stations by 2030
Trap: FCEVs are NOT the same as hydrogen internal combustion engines — fuel cells generate electricity, engines burn hydrogen directly
Trap: Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity, not direct mechanical power
Trap: Don't confuse with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles — hydrogen and CNG are different fuels
India's Hydrogen Economy Initiatives
Environment
National Hydrogen Mission: Policies & Targets
National Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021 with ₹19,744 crore allocation
Target: 5 million tonnes green hydrogen production by 2030
Aims to make India global hub for hydrogen production and export
Mission Objectives
The National Hydrogen Mission aims to scale up green hydrogen production to achieve energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and position India as a global supplier of clean hydrogen.
Mission Components
# National Hydrogen Mission
## Production Targets
- 5 MMT by 2030
- Export potential
- Renewable integration
## Manufacturing
- Electrolyzer PLI
- Fuel cell systems
- Component localization
## Applications
- Steel industry
- Fertilizer sector
- Transportation
- Power generation
## Infrastructure
- Hydrogen hubs
- Pipeline network
- Storage facilities
- Refueling stationsKey Policy Measures
Policy Area | Measure | Target/Benefit | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturing | PLI for electrolyzers | ₹4,440 crore incentive | 2022-2030 |
Procurement | Mandatory hydrogen use | Steel & fertilizer sectors | From 2025 |
Infrastructure | Green Hydrogen Hubs | Dedicated production zones | 2023-2030 |
Trade | Export promotion | Green hydrogen & ammonia | Post 2027 |
R&D | Technology development | ₹400 crore R&D fund | 2022-2025 |
State-Level Initiatives
Gujarat: First state hydrogen policy, targeting 80% of India's green hydrogen production
Rajasthan: Dedicated hydrogen parks leveraging abundant solar energy
Odisha: Green hydrogen hub for steel industry decarbonization
Andhra Pradesh: Coastal advantage for green ammonia export terminals