A groundbreaking study from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has delivered a crucial insight for India's energy future: the choice of technology in producing green hydrogen significantly determines how clean the fuel truly is, even when renewable energy powers the process.
Beyond Manufacturing: The Full Lifecycle View
The research, conducted in partnership with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and published in the journal Energy & Fuels, shifts the focus from immediate manufacturing emissions to the total environmental impact over a system's operational life. It specifically examines proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, advanced machines that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The study found that certain modifications to PEM electrolysers, such as coating internal plates with special materials, can enhance their durability and efficiency. While this coating process may initially generate higher emissions during the manufacturing stage, the long-term benefits are substantial. The improved electrolyser produces cleaner hydrogen over a significantly longer period, resulting in a lower overall environmental impact across its entire lifecycle.
A Roadmap for India's Green Hydrogen Ambitions
Professor Satyanarayanan Seshadri from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT-M emphasized the study's practical importance. "Our research provides a roadmap for expanding green hydrogen production in India," he stated. "By understanding the environmental and material implications of different technologies, we can make informed choices that ensure both efficiency and sustainability." He added that the findings highlight the critical link between technology selection and environmental outcomes, essential knowledge for policymakers and industry leaders.
Research scholar Peter Waiyaki explained the focus on PEM systems, noting they are more efficient than traditional alkaline electrolysers and well-suited for large-scale hydrogen production, aligning with India's ambitious targets.
Aligning with National Energy and Climate Goals
This research arrives at a pivotal moment for India's energy strategy. The nation has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to source 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. Green hydrogen is viewed as a cornerstone for decarbonizing challenging sectors like heavy industry, long-distance transport, and building operations.
The researchers underscored that scaling up green hydrogen production can also bolster India's energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. This aligns directly with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, which aims to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and establish a robust domestic manufacturing base for electrolysers.
The IIT Madras study ultimately advocates for a sophisticated, lifecycle-based assessment framework for clean energy technologies. It concludes that strategic investments in more durable and efficient systems, despite a higher initial carbon cost, can yield far greater environmental dividends in the long run, ensuring India's green hydrogen is genuinely green.
