India's Economical Pathway to Green Hydrogen Production with Round-the-Clock Renewable Energy

At the dawn of a renewable revolution, India’s stride towards a sustainable future is underscored by two pivotal factors: the necessity for a round-the-clock (RTC) green energy supply and the critical importance of the cost of renewable electricity. Both are instrumental in unlocking the potential for green hydrogen production—a clean energy resource poised to play a vital role in India's energy independence and carbon neutrality goals. As the cost of solar storage bids plummets, marking a 60% decrease as seen in recent bids by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), India is edging closer to achieving an economically viable green hydrogen generation landscape. This cost reduction opens up new avenues for continuous renewable energy supply, which is essential for the sustainable production of green hydrogen.

The Solar-Storage Synergy

The GUVNL's landmark bid of ?4.49 lakh per megawatt per month has set a precedent, showcasing that efficient energy storage is the linchpin for a stable and reliable renewable energy grid. Integrating a 2-hour, 2-cycle storage system facilitates a balanced energy output, mitigating the inherent intermittency of solar power.

The Green Hydrogen Equation

The implications for green hydrogen production are profound. The stored energy can be used during off-peak hours to power electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen, hence producing green hydrogen. The reduced cost of solar energy storage to approximately ?5.5/kWh ensures that electrolyzers can run on cheap, clean electricity, slashing the overall production costs of green hydrogen and making it a strong competitor against grey hydrogen produced from fossil fuels.

The Economic Rationale

This cost reduction is not a mere numerical feat; it’s an economic revolution that positions India at the forefront of the green hydrogen race. With solar energy becoming more affordable, India could leverage its abundant sunlight to produce green hydrogen cost-effectively, stimulating industries to transition away from fossil fuels.

India's Global Stance

India's National Hydrogen Mission (NHM) underscores the country's commitment to leading the charge in green hydrogen. By capitalizing on such economic storage solutions, India could soon emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen production, aligning its economic growth with climate stewardship.

The Corporate Opportunity

The intersection of reduced solar storage costs and green hydrogen production presents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors. Corporates in the energy, automotive, and heavy industries can now contemplate a future where their operations are powered by clean, sustainable energy, with the added advantage of hedging against the volatility of fossil fuel markets.

As we look to the future with anticipation for the role green hydrogen will play in India's sustainable development, it is crucial that we engage in meaningful discussions on the techno-economic feasibility of this promising energy vector. I invite industry experts, innovators, policymakers, and anyone with a keen interest in the future of renewable energy to connect with me for in-depth discussions on the potential and prospects of green hydrogen in India. Your insights and expertise are valuable as we navigate this emerging sector together. Let's connect and propel India towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Dr Mayilvelnathan Vivekananthan M.Eng.,PhD

Director, Cipher Neutron Inc

[email protected]

www.cipherneutron.com

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