The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 16th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India, rising power demand and the ‘hydrogen factor’

 Why in News?

 The journey towards a net-zero economy in India hinges on significant electrification and a greater reliance on low-carbon energy sources, particularly nuclear and hydrogen. 

A strategic blend of electricity storage and hydrogen production is crucial for facilitating this sustainable energy transition.

Need for Electrification and Hydrogen in a Net-Zero Economy

• To realize a net-zero economy, it is imperative to electrify all energy uses on a massive scale.
• Electrification is not just about generating electricity; it's also about providing heat and essential molecules for industries.
• For instance, carbon from coal is a critical component in steel production, and hydrogen derived from natural gas is used to produce ammonia for fertilizers.
• In the steel sector, hydrogen has the potential to replace carbon, facilitating the transition towards net-zero emissions.
• Thus, electrifying energy use and adopting hydrogen in industries are pivotal steps in the decarbonization process.

Growing Power Demand and Nuclear Expansion Plans

• As India strives to become a developed nation with net-zero emissions, the demand for electricity is projected to surge.
• Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro alone will not suffice to meet this escalating demand.
• Therefore, nuclear energy must be integrated into the energy mix.
• India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power installed capacity by 2047.
• Currently, several 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are either operational or under construction across the country.
• A total of 26 PHWR units of 700 MW are planned, indicating a robust expansion of nuclear power.
• Additionally, Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) of 220 MW are being proposed for captive use by public sector enterprises.

Role of Low-Carbon Energy Sources

• In the future, the contribution of electricity from low-carbon sources such as hydro, nuclear, solar, and wind is expected to rise significantly.
• While solar and wind energy are intermittent, nuclear power is well-suited as a base-load power source.
• Currently, coal-fired plants are adjusted (or "flexed") to align with demand during periods of solar energy availability.
• This practice helps mitigate emissions; however, flexing is not a viable option for nuclear plants due to their high capital costs and technical complexities.

Hydrogen Production as a Better Alternative to Flexing

• Flexing nuclear plants poses significant expenses and technical challenges.
• A more effective approach is to utilize surplus electricity from solar, wind, or nuclear sources to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.
• This method eliminates the need to flex power plants and reduces the requirement for large-scale battery storage.
• Electrolysers are cost-effective and flexible in their operation, making them suitable for this purpose.
• The hydrogen produced is intended for industrial use and is not reconverted into electricity.

Incentives and New Classification for Hydrogen

• The government currently promotes "green hydrogen," which is produced using electricity from solar and wind sources.
• A certification scheme defines green hydrogen as having emissions below 2 kg CO₂/kg H₂.
• Since the life-cycle emissions of nuclear and renewable hydrogen are comparable, it is proposed to revise the classification to "low-carbon hydrogen." This change would encompass nuclear-based hydrogen as well.

Need for Integration of Hydrogen and Electricity Storage

• Hydrogen production and electricity storage are currently treated as separate processes.
• However, integrating these two functions is essential for enhancing cost efficiency.
• Case studies demonstrate that the synergy between battery storage and hydrogen production can lead to improved overall economics.

Policy Recommendations

• Redefine "green hydrogen" as "low-carbon hydrogen" based on specific emission thresholds.
• Foster collaboration between electricity storage systems and hydrogen production to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.