PIB Summary- 23th August, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Green Hydrogen

Context
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently defined a clear Green Hydrogen Standard, which establishes emission thresholds for hydrogen production categorized as ‘green’.

Green Hydrogen and its Emission Threshold

• “Green Hydrogen” refers to hydrogen gas produced using renewable energy sources, such as electrolysis or biomass conversion.
• It also encompasses electricity generated from renewable sources that are stored in energy storage systems or supplied to the grid in compliance with relevant regulations.

Emission Threshold

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has established an emission threshold for Green Hydrogen.
• To qualify as Green Hydrogen, the well-to-gate emission should not exceed 2 kg carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per kg of Hydrogen (H2).
• This calculation is based on an average over the last 12 months and includes emissions associated with various stages of production, including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and compression of hydrogen.

Methodology and Monitoring

• The MNRE will outline a comprehensive methodology for measuring, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, will play a crucial role as the Nodal Authority responsible for accrediting agencies overseeing the monitoring, verification, and certification of projects involved in the production of green hydrogen.

India’s Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen

• The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to significantly boost green hydrogen production in India.
• The mission targets the annual production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
• This initiative is closely aligned with India’s plan to establish approximately 125 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.
• The program provides financial incentives to support domestic production of electrolysers and green hydrogen.
• These incentives intend to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen technology, foster technological advancements, and drive down production costs.

Green Hydrogen Consumption Obligations

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed the introduction of green hydrogen consumption obligations.
• Similar to the renewable purchase obligations for electricity distribution companies, these obligations will apply to the fertilizer and petroleum refining sectors.
• These industries will be required to incorporate a certain percentage of green hydrogen in their overall hydrogen consumption.
• This measure aims to drive the adoption of green hydrogen across key sectors, further contributing to India’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme

Context
Recently, the cabinet gave approval for the continuation of the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with an approved outlay of Rs. 8139.50 crore.

About North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme

• It is a Central Sector Scheme, i.e., 100% of the funding will be done by the Central Government.
• It will cover infrastructure in the following areas:-
  • Physical Infrastructure: Water Supply, Power, Connectivity, Tourism related projects
  • Social Infrastructure: Education and Health
• NESIDS will be over and above other existing schemes of Central and State governments of the North East Region.

Objectives

• To ensure focused Development of the northeast region by providing financial assistance.
• To focus on the projects of physical infrastructure associated with water systems, power connectivity, and particularly the projects promoting tourism.
• To improve the social infrastructure within areas of primary and secondary sectors of education and health.
• To promote similar growth across all the nation leaving no one behind.

Beneficiaries

• All the 8 North East Indian states, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and Sikkim.
• Such projects in these states which are not supported under any other schemes of Central or State Governments.

Implementation

• The funds under NESIDS are going to be allocated to States on the idea of Normative Allocation at the start of the financial year. However, funds are going to be provided for the continued projects under NLCPR in order that they are completed by 2019-20.
• If any of the States aren’t able to soak up the funds, their allocations may be diverted to raised performing States.
• Only those projects are considered for funding under the scheme that isn’t supported under the other central or government scheme.
• The NESIDS will be implemented for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at the entire outlay of Rs. 1,600 crore.
• Funds under this scheme will be distributed on the criteria based on certain parameters like Area, Population, Human Development Index, Road density, etc.
• Projects will be sanctioned through block grants of the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources(NLCPR) through 90% on central funding and 10% on contributions by states.
• The government agencies execute the identified projects under the NLCPR schemes.

Significance

• It will ensure focused Development of the northeast region by providing financial assistance.
• It will improve the physical infrastructure associated with water systems, power connectivity, and also the projects promoting tourism.
• It will improve social infrastructure within areas of primary and secondary sectors of education and health.
• It will ensure that no region is left behind in terms of growth.