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Akansh DhullAIR 3

Question 15Discuss the potentialGS3GS1

Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a fuel to meet the growing global energy demands? Why is it still an untapped industry? (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.38)

Introduction

Recently India launched the Green Hydrogen Mission with the aim of producing 5 HMT (5 HMT) of energy by 2030.

20 words

Main Body

Recently India launched the Green Hydrogen Mission with the aim of producing 5 HMT of energy by 2030.

As per IEA, use will be 2% globally till 2050, increasing as development in Asia, Africa progresses.

Global Energy Demands: Increase in green transition (SDG 13)

Role of hydrogen: to balance demand increase in green transition (SDG 13)

Potential of Natural Hydrogen:

1Abundant supply in nature
2High energy density of hydrogen vs other fuels
3Clean source of fuel - byproduct is Water Vapour
4Used for energy storage and energy carrier - solves for intermittency problem

Solves for energy security as supply chain weaponised. Unlike crude oil in West Asia, supply is everywhere with no dependence.

At scale, much cheaper cost vs coal etc.

Difficult to use in industry due to scalability issues - main areas of concern.

Why still untapped industry due to inherent challenges:

1Issue with production - Grey hydrogen (black hydrogen) from fossil fuels creates GHG
2Green hydrogen through electrolysis based approach shows waste
3Issues with storage - Hydrogen is highly flammable
4Hydrogen is basically energy storage; conversion of renewable into hydrogen is not innate source
5High technological sophistication required
6Requirement of rare earth/ousted minerals in building hydrogen ecosystem
7Monopoly over technology - no technology transfer
8Dual use - can be used to make hydrogen bomb

Way forward:

1GHM developing indigenous technology (e.g. SHIP), build electrolysers
2PPP and tech collaboration for scaling production
3Green hydrogen plant in Assam, use for providing electricity - a pilot project
4Hydrogen based cars (e.g. Toyota developed) - make insulation supply chain for fuel pumps to solve storage problem

Hydrogen can be a futuristic fuel to solve energy security, affordability and transition problem. India should use this opportunity as first mover and be a global leader.

307 words9 paragraphs

Conclusion

Hydrogen can be a futuristic fuel to solve energy security, affordability and transition problem. India should use this opportunity as first mover and be a global leader.

27 words

  • Connects to national policy (Green Hydrogen Mission)
  • References international standards (IEA)
  • Links to SDG 13
  • Discusses energy advantages

Topper

Akansh Dhull

AIR 3

Subject & Paper

GS3GS1

Topic

Resource Distribution & Industries

Energy

Natural Hydrogen as Energy Source

Writing Stats

354

Total words

9

Paragraphs

technical-analytical

Tone