With population of India touching 140 billion and having undergone a rapid and sustained economic expansion in the last 10 years, demand for energy in India is about to see a quantum 40 percent growth in the next ten years. Like many other developing countries of the world, India is also a net importer of energy. More than a quarter of primary energy needs of the country are being met through imports, mainly in the form of crude oil and natural gas. Biofuels, being a domestic and renewable source of energy, can significantly cut down India’s dependence on imported oil, can lessen the environmental degradation caused by the use of fossil fuels and is the best alternative option in securing the energy needs of the country.

India embarked upon the journey of production of bio-fuels nearly a decade ago in order to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and thus, improving her energy security situation. India is now amongst top producers of Jatropha oil and achieved 10% ethanol blending in 2022, quite ahead of the schedule, in its pursuit of a 20% blending target by 2025. 

Launch of the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance (GBA)

Headwinds in the area of sustainable development exist, still, Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions continue to surge with biodiversity loss, climate change, drought, pollution, land degradation and desertification, threatening lives and livelihoods. In order to deal with this current phenomenon, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the leaders of Singapore, Bangladesh, Italy, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius and UAE, launched the Global Biofuel Alliance on 9 September 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The alliance is going to act as a central repository of knowledge and databank as well as an expert hub. GBA aims to be a catalyst platform, promoting global collaboration for the widespread adoption and advancement of biofuels.

What are Bio – Fuels?

 Any kind of a hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or dead) in a short duration (days, weeks, or months), can be called a biofuel. Biofuels can be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature. Solids like Wood, dried plant material, manure, liquid like Bioethanol and Biodiesel and gaseous like Biogas can be used to replace or be used in addition to diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels for transport. They can also be used to produce heat and electricity and have widespread application.

First Generation Biofuels. These are produced from food sources such as starch, sugar, vegetable oil or animal fats using conventional technology. Some of the common first-generation biofuels include Biodiesel, Bioalcohols, Bioethers, Vegetable oil, Biogas etc. Though the process of conversion is easy but use of food sources in the production of biofuels creates an imbalance in food economy, which may lead to increased food prices and hunger.

Second Generation Biofuels. These are made from non-food crops or some portions of food crops that are not edible and are considered as wastes, like stems, husks, wood chips, fruit skins, peelings etc. Thermochemical reactions or biochemical conversion process is used for producing such fuels. Some of the examples include cellulose ethanol, biodiesel etc. These fuels may not have any effect on the food economy, however, their production is quite complicated.

Third Generation Biofuels. These are produced from some micro-organisms like algae, example Butanol. Micro-organisms like algae can be grown using water and land thought unsuitable for food production. One disadvantage is environmental pollution caused due to the use of fertilizers for production of such crops.

Fourth Generation Biofuels. In the production of such fuels, crops that are genetically engineered to consume high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass. The crops are thereafter converted into fuel using second generation techniques. The advantage is that it reduces carbon from the environment.

Felt Need

Indian Energy Scenario and Significance of Biofuels. India ranks sixth in energy demand accounting for 3.6% of total global energy demand in the world. While the energy demand is estimated to grow at 4.8% a year, a large part of India’s population, majority in the villages / rural areas, doesn’t have access to it. Most rural kitchens still use biomass fuels in their smoky kitchens.

In 2003-04, India, which is 70% dependent on imports for meeting her crude oil requirement, spent 18.36 billion dollars (Rs 84,236 cores) on the import of more than 90 million tons of crude oil. It is predicted that if the country continues at this rate, 5.6 million barrels of oil /day will be consumed by 2030 out of which, more than 94% will be met through oil imports.

Securing of long-term supply of energy not only requires current fuel resources to be used as economically as possible but also diversification of energy sources used in this fuel system. In the years to come, we have to reach a stage in our development, where our dependence on fossil fuels should reach the minimum level for energy generation. This is the reason why Biofuels are recognized major players for ensuring energy security in the future of our country.

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Suitability of India for Bio Fuels Production

Fortunately, there is large proportion of degraded forestland and unused public land and fallow lands of farmers where non-edible oil seeds can be grown. There are many of the non-edible species which are rich in oil and at the same time, can be easily grown in the country. Further, India has large arable land and good climatic conditions with adequate rainfall in the large part of the area to account for large biomass production each year.

Some promising tree species were evaluated and it was found that there were a number of them such as Jatropha Curcas and Pongamia Pinnatta which can be very suitable for our conditions. Jatropha Curcas, in specific, has been found most suitable for the purpose.

One hectare land under Jatropha plantation with about 4400 plants per hectare under rain fed conditions can produce about 1500 litres of oil. It is estimated that about three million hectares plantation is required in order to produce oil for 10% replacement of petrodiesel which is quite substantial.

Biofuel Policy of India

History of Biofuel. India initiated its biofuel programme more than a decade back and launched many policy measures to promote biofuels ever since. India launched its “Ethanol Blending Programme” in 2002, which mandated 5% blending of ethanol (E5) with petrol in four Union Territories and nine States with effect from January 2003. The Planning Commission of India constituted a Committee on Development of Biofuels in July 2002. The report released in 2003 of the Committee recommended India to progressively move towards higher targets in blending of biofuels which include strengthening of the ethanol blending programme.

The 5% blending mandate in the case of ethanol could not be achieved due to shortage of bioethanol supply. In October 2004, the mandate was amended “requiring E5 blends only when adequate ethanol supplies were available”. In 2006, the 5% blending mandate was extended to cover 20 States and 8 Union Territories.

Again, this target could not be achieved due to shortage of bioethanol supply. In September 2008, the Union Cabinet set a target of 5% blending all across the country. The Planning Commission report of year 2003 recommended launching a National Mission on Biodiesel to be based on non-edible oil and identified Jatropha Curcas as the most suitable tree-borne oilseed for this biodiesel production. One aim of the Mission was to gradually raise the blending target to 20% by the year 2012. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in October 2005, announced a biodiesel purchase policy, which required Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) to procure biodiesel for blending with diesel with effect from January 2006. In order to ailing ethanol and biodiesel blending programs, India’s National Biofuel Policy was approved by the Government of India in December 2009.

National Biofuel Policy. The goal of the Policy is to ensure availability of biofuels in the market, thereby, increasing their blending percentage. It aims at ensuring the ready availability of biofuels in the market to meet demand and brought out an indicative target of 20% blending of biofuels, for bio-diesel and bio-ethanol both, by 2017. While the target for bio-ethanol was supposed to be mandatory, the blending target for biodiesel was intended to be recommendatory. Salient features of the biofuel policy include:

1. Biofuels to be based solely on non-food crops to be raised on degraded or wastelands that were found to be unsuitable for agriculture, thereby, avoiding a possible fuel vs. food security conflict.

2. Cultivation of non-edible oil seeds for production of bio-diesel to be promoted through a Minimum Support Price.

3. Plantations that provide the feedstock for biodiesel and bio-ethanol also to be supported through a Minimum Support Price.

4. Research, development and demonstration be supported to cover varied aspects of feedstock production and processing of biofuels which also include development of second-generation biofuels. The Policy document also includes interventions and enabling mechanisms with respect to plantations, processing, distribution and marketing, financing, financial and fiscal incentives and research and development.

G20 Bio-fuel Alliance

Progress in Other G20 Countries. The United States Inflation Reduction Act makes USD 9.4 billion available for biofuels which is quite substantial. Some other G20 countries and regions making notable progress to boost biofuels include:

•             Brazil is planning to increase biodiesel blending to 15% by 2026 which is up from 10% in 2022. 

•             Canada is implementing its Clean Fuel Regulations in 2023, which require a 13% cut in GHG emissions intensity for transport fuels by 2030. 

•             The European Union is closing on to its agreement on updated Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) which would double the requirements for renewables content in transportation fuels, including biofuels, compared to existing targets.

•             Singapore has supplied about 70,000 tonnes of bio-fuels to ocean-going vessels in 2022. Singapore Airlines is also using sustainable blended aviation fuel.

•             The Argentina biodiesel industry is based mainly on the use of soybean as feedstock. There are 31 companies in the country currently producing biodiesel with an estimated annual production capacity of over 745 million litres.

Gains for India

G20 initiative was launched to promote an alliance of governments, international organizations and industries to promote adoption of bio-fuels. Global bio-fuel alliance mirrors the International Solar Alliance which was launched in 2015 by India and 120 signatory countries in Paris.

The Bio-fuel alliance is a win-win situation for ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’. It will help to create jobs, reduce pollution and to top it all, make India a leader in the production and use of Bio-fuels. The alliance is oriented towards India’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2070. The alliance will fast-track India’s existing Bio-fuels programs like Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) and ‘Gobardhan’ scheme, which will help farmers in enhancing their income, create jobs and boost overall growth of Indian ecosystem.

Way Forward

Despite laying a lot of emphasis on Bio-fuels, substantial ground still needs to be covered by India. In order to achieve its laid down aim, India needs to rev up its model of Bio-fuels which requires making policy changes, adopting technological advancements and collaboration with other countries.

Quality Check. National Policy on Biofuels (NPB) does not permit private biofuel manufacturers to market directly. The responsibility for storage, distribution and marketing of Biofuels is vested in OMCs. Biodiesel manufacturers must send their biodiesel to OMC approved collection centers where the standard of quality is verified. Price and minimum quality standards are already laid out in the NPB.

Government Support. Biofuels need to be backed by the government in many different ways, including subsidies, blending mandates or targets, reduced import duties, tax exemptions and credits, support for R&D and direct involvement in biofuel production, as well as other incentives to encourage local biofuel production and use. Biofuel blend mandates require specific quantity of biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels to be mixed with petroleum-based transportation fuels and needs to be vigorously executed.

Innovation. An innovation gap exists in converting woody and grassy biomass (e.g. agricultural and forestry residues) to liquid biofuels. For example, via thermochemical routes such as biomass gasification followed by FT synthesis (bio-FT), hydrothermal liquefaction and fast pyrolysis with upgrading. While bio-FT is presently at the demonstration phase, many commercial-scale projects are currently in the pipeline, mostly in the United States and also in Europe and Japan. G20 alliance will prove beneficial here, wherein, such exchange of ideas and innovations can now take place.

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Technology Deployment. The vast quantity of biofuel production currently uses so-called conventional feedstocks such as corn, sugar cane and soybeans. However, extending biofuel production to advanced feedstocks is critical to ensuring minimal impact on food prices, land-use and other environmental factors while tripling biofuels production.

Used cooking oil and waste animal fats provide most of the non-food crop feedstocks for biofuel production currently. Given that these feedstocks are limited, new technologies are required to be commercialised to expand non-food crop biofuel production. Toxicological study should also be initiated in India through concerned R & D centers, as it is a pre-requisite for the introduction of any fuel. 

Supporting Infra. Capturing CO2 from biofuels is cheaper as compared to other bioenergy and carbon capture processes. Many of the biofuel production pathways emit CO2 as an inherent part of their process. Such routes include ethanol fermentation (both cellulosic and crop-based) and bio-FT. The high concentration of CO2 essentially means that the cost of capturing the CO2 is low, since no additional purification will be required apart from dehydration. Once the CO2 is captured, it requires to be compressed and transported via a pipeline, truck or ship to a storage site or be used in some way, for which suitable infrastructure needs to be created.

Policy. Biofuels are facing challenges of their own, prompting differing policy responses. Overall, close to 80 countries have policies that support biofuel demand. Nearly 60% of biofuel demand is observed in advanced economies and only 40% in emerging economies. Biofuel demand though, is expected to increase by 11% to 2024, with two-thirds of growth taking place in emerging economies. 

However, while biofuels offer energy security advantages, their prices climbed quicker than those of gasoline and diesel in many of the countries. In order to mitigate increase in transport fuel costs, Brazil, Sweden and Finland delayed their planned increase to biofuel blending obligations in 2022.

Only Brazil and Indonesia are accelerating deployment by 2024. India also needs to act on identical lines and bring in changes in its NBP. It may lead to hike in transport prices in the near future but will be immensely beneficial in the long run.

Investment. Investment in liquid biofuels saw a marked hike in 2022, notably in renewable diesel Global transport biofuel, wherein, capacity was enhanced by 7% in 2022, its largest annual increase in over a decade. Biorefineries focused on renewable diesel and contributed towards the bulk of the growth, thanks to attractive policies in the United States and Europe, while ethanol capacity saw notable increases in Brazil, Indonesia, India and China.

Several large companies, world over, are also making forays into sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). In the European Union alone there are more than 30 advanced biorefinery projects in operation and  further 10 are slated for operations before 2025. The United States is seen as a leader in this sector, attributed to generous fiscal incentives, an estimated USD 9.4 billion in tax credits and financial support for new production capacity and biofuel infrastructure.

International Collaboration. International collaboration is inescapable in order to realise the potential of biofuels. International collaboration can accelerate biofuel deployment by developing and sharing best practices, policy and deployment, co-ordinating research and promoting common sustainability standards. Current efforts include: 

•             The Biofuture Platform Initiative. A 22-country initiative to promote an advanced low-carbon bioeconomy that is innovative and scalable, sustainable, established under the Clean Energy Ministerial in 2021. It aims at promoting consensus on biomass sustainability, enabling financing, promoting best practices and promoting international co-operation. 

•             IEA Bioenergy. A Technology Collaboration Program (TCP) which was established in 1978 in order to facilitate co-operation and exchange of information between countries that have national programs in bioenergy R&D and deployment. It provides leading analysis on market deployment, bioenergy technology development, demonstration, sustainability and policy frameworks.

•             Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition. An industry-led coalition working to promote the commercial sale of viable, low-emission SAF, of which biojet kerosene is one type, for broad adoption by industry by 2030.

•             Global Bioenergy Partnership. An initiative that focuses on developing countries to support a wide range of activities including national and regional policy making and supporting sustainable practices. This also includes the development and implementation of 24 sustainability indicators. 

An inter-play between G20 alliance and these international collaborations which have already provided a headstart to the Bio fuel sector, needs to evolve so that concerted results can be achieved.

Private Sector Participation. Refiners are now increasing their footprints into the biofuels supply chain. Refiners traditionally focused on oil and gas refining and were involved in half of planned capacity additions, including co‐processing facilities, facility conversion or building new facilities. Refiners, such as Total Energies, Eni, Neste and Valero, currently own maximum of operating capacity for renewable diesel and they also have a sizeable share of planned capacity. These refiners need to be dovetailed into own overall design and given incentives, so as to provide much needed fillip to the Bio- Gas sector.

Conclusion        

Development of a self-reliant community to manage the natural system is an important element of sustainable development. Here lays the importance of biofuels as a renewable and domestic energy supply. While bioethanol and biodiesel can be seen as future fuels in the transport sector, biogas and biomass technologies can prove their utility in rural India. However, commercialisation of these fuels on a large scale needs technological innovation of the highest order supported by proper policy orientation.

Government of India seems keen to give a head start to all the biofuels programs. A concerted effort from both, the government and private parties, towards a coherent technological and policy initiative has the potential to lead India to meet its energy requirements substantially through biofuels materializing the ‘Swadeshi’ vision of Mahatma Gandhi, thereby, creating revolutionary changes in our nation’s development. New Delhi G20 summit has laid the foundation for this mammoth endeavor, however, it needs to be pursued vigorously in upcoming G20 summits in Brazil in 2024, in South Africa in 2025 and the United States in 2026 at the beginning of the next cycle.

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In the visionary words of the Indian Prime Minister spoken from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15 Aug 2021, ‘Not only will Green Hydrogen be the basis of green growth through green jobs but it will also set an example for the world towards green energy transition.’ This resounding statement from the highest echelons of Indian leadership underscores the nation’s commitment to embrace green hydrogen as a transformative energy source. In a world grappling with environmental challenges and seeking sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation. The Indian National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in Jan 2023 aims to make India energy independent, decarbonise major economic sectors and turn nation into a global hub to produce, utilize export Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. In a world grappling with environmental challenges and seeking sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation.

What is Green Hydrogen and why is it important?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. However, it does not exist in the earth’s atmosphere and is required to be produced through artificial means. Green Hydrogen specifically relates to hydrogen production methods using only renewable energy.  Operating at scale, Green Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels could play a central role in decarbonization of the global energy system and energy transition.

One of its key advantages of Hydrogen is that it is the perfect complement to renewable sources like wind, solar and hydel owing to its capability to generate on-demand power when output from renewable sources cannot match demand. Hydrogen is the only non-carbon fuel which can potentially decarbonize sectors like industries, mobility and power generation. Hydrogen could help decarbonize hard-to-electrify heavy mobility sectors like shipping, railways, heavy trucks and buses. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Hydrogen Review 2022 notes positive signs of progress in this field recently, as the first fleet of trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells began operating in Germany. India has already launched Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses in Delhi and will be rolling out its first domestically designed and built hydrogen-powered train by December 2023. Today, most of the hydrogen is used by refining and chemical industry. Demand for industrial use has tripled since 1975 and its potential as an energy transition fuel could see demand grow exponentially.

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Advancements in Green Hydrogen Technologies- Global Scan

The global quest for clean energy is disrupting the fossil fuel-based world order. Hydrogen could account for up to 12% of global energy use by 2050, leading to the rise of new energy superpowers. But who are the frontrunners in the race to adopt and scale up green hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels affecting political and economic changes in the energy landscape. A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), called ‘Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: The Hydrogen Factor’ lists leaders in developing policy initiatives, technology and export facilities to promote green hydrogen value chains – all of which are needed if the world is to decarbonize sectors like steel making, shipping and transportation.

(a)          China. China consumes and produces more hydrogen than any other country – its current annual usage is more than 24 million tons. Most of the country’s production is ‘grey’ hydrogen, generated using fossil fuels like coal, however, more than 30 green hydrogen projects have been setup since 2019. China announced first hydrogen roadmap in 2016. It has the world’s third-largest fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) fleet and is a pioneer in developing fuel cell trucks and buses. China’s five-year economic plan recognizes hydrogen as one of the six industries of the future.

(b)          The European Union. Having issued its National Hydrogen Strategy in 2020, the EU has recognized hydrogen as a key technology for achieving policy goals such as the ‘European Green Deal’. The bloc’s strategy is heavily focused on emissions-free green hydrogen, with a target to install 40 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolyzer capacity by 2030. However, with Europe’s green hydrogen capacity set to reach just 2.7 gigawatts by 2025, achieving such an ambitious goal will be a challenge. The ‘European Clean Hydrogen Alliance’ was launched to support investment and large-scale deployment of Green hydrogen projects as the EU aims to become the industrial leader in Green Hydrogen. Within the bloc, different member states look set to become large-scale hydrogen importers, exporters or transit hubs.

(c)           Japan. In 2017, Japan became the first country to formulate a National Hydrogen Strategy in order to become the world’s first ‘hydrogen society’ by adopting the fuel across all sectors. The country lacks the natural resources needed to deploy sufficient levels of wind or solar to generate green hydrogen at scale, therefore developing long term supply agreements to import Green Hydrogen from overseas. Alongside government investment in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies totaling $670 million in 2020, policymakers have set mobility targets of 800,000 FCEVs and 900 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030.

(d)          South Korea. South Korea’s 2019 Hydrogen roadmap hailed Green hydrogen as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The nation has its sights set on becoming a global leader in producing and deploying FCEVs and large-scale stationary fuel cells for hydrogen power generation. Its ‘Green New Deal’ contains an ambitious target of deploying 200,000 FCEVs by 2025.  Last year, South Korea passed the Economic Promotion and Safety Control of Hydrogen Act- the world’s first law aimed at promoting hydrogen vehicles, charging stations and fuel cells. Plans are in place for hydrogen to provide 10% of the energy needs of its cities, counties and towns by 2030, with its share rising to 30% by 2040 before it becomes the country’s largest single energy carrier by mid-century.

(e)          The United States.  The US is the world’s second largest producer and consumer of hydrogen after China, accounting for 13% of global demand. States such as California supported the country’s FCEV market growth for more than a decade with initiatives like the ‘Clean Vehicle Rebate Program’. The US led the world in this field until 2020. When the government passed law- ‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021’. It contained a $9.5 billion budget to boost Green hydrogen development. This was followed by the launch of the government’s Hydrogen Earthshot program aimed at bringing down the cost of Green Hydrogen to $1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade.

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Why Green Hydrogen in India’s Energy Porfolio?

Green hydrogen’s emergence as the fuel of the future for India is rooted in a multitude of reasons and compelling arguments that make it an indispensable component of the nation’s energy landscape as discussed hereinunder:-

(a)          Abundant Renewable Resources. India is blessed with abundant solar and wind resources, making it well-suited for green hydrogen production. Harnessing these renewable energy sources through electrolysis allows India to produce hydrogen with minimal environmental impact, positioning the nation as a global leader in sustainable energy production.

(b)          Decarbonisation Imperative. India, like the rest of the world, faces the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change. Green hydrogen provides a pathway to decarbonize various sectors.

(c)           Energy Storage and Grid Balancing. Green hydrogen offers a unique solution to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Excess electricity generated during peak periods can be used for electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which can then be stored and used during periods of high demand or low renewable energy generation. This enhances grid stability and energy security.

(d)      Versatility and End-Use Flexibility. Green hydrogen is remarkably versatile. It can be used as a fuel for vehicles, as a feedstock in industrial processes, or to generate electricity through fuel cells. This versatility allows India to address multiple energy needs simultaneously, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels in various sectors.

(e)     Technological Advancements. Advancements in green hydrogen production technologies, including electrolysers and hydrogen storage solutions, have made the process more efficient and cost-effective. As technology continues to improve, the economic viability of green hydrogen becomes increasingly attractive.

(f)      Economic Growth and Job Creation. Investing in the green hydrogen sector can stimulate economic growth and job creation. The development of a robust hydrogen ecosystem, from production to infrastructure deployment, will create a multitude of employment opportunities fostering economic prosperity.

(g)    International Collaboration and Trade. Green hydrogen presents opportunities for international collaboration and trade. India can export green hydrogen and related technologies to other nations, enhancing its standing in the global energy market and fostering diplomatic ties.

Green Hydrogen’s Role in Achieving India’s Energy Goals

Green hydrogen, produced through the process of electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power is hailed as the fuel of the future for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it is a clean and sustainable energy carrier, emitting only water vapours when burned or used in fuel cells, thus combating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. Secondly, it can be efficiently stored and transported, offering flexibility in energy distribution. Thirdly, it is incredibly versatile and can be used across various sectors, including transportation, industry and power generation. For India, it’s a strategic tool to achieve energy security, energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

(a)          Energy Security. As India’s growth story unfolds, energy requirement is likely to grow by at least 25% by 2030. India is currently importing over 40% of its primary energy requirement, worth over USD 90 billion every year. This necessitates diversification of National energy portfolio towards green hydrogen technologies to progressively reduce share of imported fossil fuels. India, by harnessing abundant renewable energy resources can produce green hydrogen domestically, ensuring a stable and secure energy supply.

(b)          Energy Independence by 2047. India’s aspiration to attain energy independence by its centenary in 2047, the 100th year of independence, is an ambitious yet achievable goal. Green hydrogen holds the key to this aspiration by offering a clean, indigenous energy source that can replace fossil fuels in various sectors. By investing in green hydrogen infrastructure and technology, India can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and move closer to energy independence.

(c)           Net Zero by 2070. India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is a testament to its dedication to combating climate change. Green hydrogen is a crucial enabler in this journey. When used as a clean fuel or feedstock, green hydrogen can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors, such as transportation, industry and power generation. Its carbon-neutral nature aligns perfectly with the goal of eliminating net emissions. Carbon-free steel, ammonia, fuel cell based power generation and hydrogen based transportation systems will assist in reduction of fossil fuel based carbon emissions.

Micro Grid Power Plants for Offgrid Forward Locations of Indian Army

MoU between Indian Army and National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL). In consonance with the National Green hydrogen Mission, on 21 Mar 2023, Indian Army became first Government entity to ink an MoU with NTPC REL for installation of Green Hydrogen based Micro Grid Power Plants at off grid forward locations along Northern Borders. The plants will provide round the clock clean power supply to the troops deployed in inhospitable terrain, extreme climatic conditions higher Himalayas. The progressive step will reduce Indian Army’s dependence on power being generated by fossil fuel fired Generators.

Pilot Project at Chushul. The 200 KW pilot project at Chushul will be the first operational green hydrogen-based power plant in India. NTPC REL will develop the project on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model, wherein investment, construction, operation and maintenance post commissioning will be the responsibility of NTPC REL and Indian Army will provide land on 25 on lease for 25 years and pay the tariff as per Power Purchase Agreement. NTPC REL has conceptualized and designed the pilot project and has completed the tendering formalities. Work on site is likely to commence by December 2023.

Design & Configuration. The plant has been designed on the basic concept of producing power by installing Solar Photovoltaic panels to capture solar energy and directly supply the same to consumer through a micro grid during solar hours. Also, a part of solar energy will be used to run electrolysers which will break water into hydrogen and oxygen and hydrogen will be compressed and stored in cylinders. The stored hydrogen will be used to run fuel cells which will provide power during non-solar hours. Besides, a four-hour battery backup will be provided though a Battery Energy storage system, which will also cater to intermittency and fluctuations in solar energy required to power electrlysers.  The layout of the pilot project is given as under:-                       

(a)          Solar Plant. The solar plant will comprise of a Solar PV modules for a DC capacity of 3200 kW. The power will be evacuated from Solar plant directly into local AC grid at 415 V during solar hours. The electrolysers and BESS would be fed by DC power from the solar plant through a unique system of DC-DC conversion to save on energy losses. Metering, protection and Energy Management System (EMS) will be installed for safe and smooth operations

(b)          Hydrogen Plant. Hydrogen generation of 160 kg/day with 1000 kW of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) type electrolyser will be installed. Electrolysers are envisaged to interface directly with DC grid through DC/DC converter. Hydrogen compression system will be installed to the required pressure of 250 bar for storage. Hydrogen storage facility will have at least 200 kg of usable hydrogen required for fuel cell in a Type-IV hydrogen gas cylinders. Heat exchangers will be installed in closed loop system.

(c)           Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). BESS for the capacity of 300KW/1200KWHr will be installed for storing of un-utilised/surplus power from solar plant by charging the battery system. Power to be extracted or discharged from the battery to existing load (200KW) at any time. BESS will support Hydrogen Plant and load during the fluctuation in solar plant due to weather conditions. BESS will cater to the power requirement of emergency load (max 80 kW) for one hour and lighting load for three hours of operation. It shall have battery and thermal management system for its effective operation. BESS is envisaged to interface directly with DC grid through DC/DC converter and also operate in standalone mode as well as in tandem operation with local grid comprising Solar PV & Fuel Cell. BESS discharging energy capacity at the end of 10 Years shall be 90% of rated energy capacity with 90% annual utilization factor.

(d)          Fuel Cell System. Electrical power to be generated for Net capacity of 200 KW using a PEM type Fuel Cell. Fuel Cell will interface directly with DC grid through DC/DC converter. Fuel Cell shall operate in standalone mode as well as in tandem operation with local grid comprising Solar PV & BESS. Fuel Cell has been designed to operate based on the load condition and maintain the power quality in the system.

Challenges in Making India a Global Green Hydrogen Hub

While the future of green hydrogen is promising, India faces several challenges on its path to becoming a global green hydrogen hub. These challenges include the following:-

(a)          High production costs.

(b)          The need for significant infrastructure development for creation of hydrogen Eco-system.

(c)           Intermittency issues with renewable energy sources.

(d)          Need for indigenization and mass production of hydrogen technologies.

(e)          Collaboration between public and private sectors along with incentive based supportive policies will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.

Conclusion

Green Hydrogen represents an extraordinary opportunity for India and the world to transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. With its clean and versatile nature, it has the potential to address climate change, enhance energy security and drive economic growth. Despite the existing challenges, the future of green hydrogen is filled with optimism, driven by innovation and a shared commitment to a greener and more sustainable world.

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Addressing the Sugar & Ethanol India Conference 2022, Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari said, “There are four lakh operational telecom towers in India, and they use diesel generators for power. If we replace diesel with ethanol then we can boost consumption of ethanol. Kirloskar and other companies have found a way to use 100 per cent ethanol to run the generators. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have large quantities of ethanol, which can be tapped into.”

Ethanol, an alternative to ATF

Gadkari also advocated the use of ethanol in aviation as an alternative to aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Besides using ethanol in commercial jetliners, Gadkari said that the government is talking to the Indian Air Force for using ethanol for powering its aircrafts. In 2018 no-frills carrier SpiceJet operated India’s first test flight powered by biojet fuel on the Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

“We are in talks with the Indian Air Force chief and defence forces. We are exploring the possibilities of increasing the usage of ethanol in the IAF,” Gadkari added. On January 26, 2019, a biojet fuel-powered Indian Air Force transport aircraft AN-32, flew over Raj Path as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

India is able to produce 465 crore litre of ethanol per annum at present. When E20 (20 percent ethanol blending in petrol) is approved the consumption will shoot up to 1,500 crore litre. According to Gadkari, in the next five years ethanol requirement is expected to go up to 4,000 crore litre. India has allowed blending of up to 10 per cent (E10) as of now. All vehicles manufactured in India are tuned for E10.

Some automotive companies have either launched vehicles that are powered by 100 percent ethanol or are in the development process. Home grown heavyweights Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company have developed motorcycles that can run only on ethanol.

“We have three pumps in Pune but no one has turned up to fill ethanol in them. Bajaj, TVS and Hero have developed two-wheelers that can run on ethanol. Three-wheelers too are being developed to run on ethanol. I have asked construction equipment manufacturing companies to give up diesel engines and switch to petrol before switching to flex engines,” Gadkari added.

Flex Fuel Vehicles

Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are capable of running on 100 per cent petrol and on 100 per cent bio-ethanol or a combination of both. Gadkari said that not only has there been a ‘record sugar production’ this year in the country, the selling price received has also been high. The high price was, however, due to drought in Brazil, the biggest exporter of sugar in the world, Gadkari noted.

“Government of India has decided to give a go-ahead to open ethanol pumps. I request sugar factory owners to make ethanol available at their factories and in their areas. This way ethanol consumption can be increased. I am talking to the ministry of petroleum and natural gas. It is better for our future to reduce sugar production and increase ethanol production,” Gadkari added. 

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The Indian Armed Forces have a sterling record on ecological conservation – stabilisation of sand dunes, afforestation of the Thar Desert, managing watersheds in Himachal and Uttarakhand or reclaiming the barren Mussoorie hills, mines, in Delhit – all of these projects have been carried out by with military-like work culture and commitment. The Army, in particular, has contributed to the conservation of nearly exting species in wildlife – the Great Indian Bustard, The Ring-necked Crane and the snow leopard. The forces have been in the forefront in the fight to save the planet.

The Ecological Task Force battalions of the Territorial Army (TA) have been raised to execute specific ecology-related projects by enrolling ex-servicemen and have created history with their success stories.

The Indian Air Force has made a beginning with experimenting with use of biofuels for their transport aircraft. The Indian Navy has undertaken numerous projects for the cleaning of the beaches, protection of mangrove swamps, marine life and corals.

It is time for the Armed Forces to now make a mark by taking steps to contribute to the environment by reducing their carbon foot-print where they can, without compromising on their operational efficiency.

There are many areas, particularly in peace stations and bases where substantial measures can be taken to reducing carbon emmissions, using cleaner energy, energy savings through better building designs, efficient transportation, heating & lighting methods, recycling waste and such other measures.

Scale of the Problem

The climate costs of mobilizing military assets and personnel—including movement of manpower, millions of tons of hardware and equipment, food supplies and related services –  is huge.

Vast swathes of military are big carbon emitters – tanks, trucks jet planes, much of the navy except nuclear-powered submarines. The military’s carbon “boot” print comes from production of military equipment, energy use at military bases (energy use, food, waste management) and vehicle use (aircraft, marine vessels and land vehicles). The impact of war on the environment is entirely different level of concern. This does not include emissions of contractors and suppliers.

Training of the Armed Forces is large in scale involving movement over long distances, using live ammunition and explosives, transport and combat vehicles. There is increasing scope for employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality-based simulators to reduce the impact through realistic simulated training, while not completely replacing live exercises and training. It is now possible to create realistic scenarios indoors – by day and night – for all arms and services to train and to exercise procedures without producing pollutants.

The Iraq war was responsible for 141 million tonnes (MT) of carbon releases in its first four years, according to an Oil Change International report. On an annual basis, this was more than the emissions from 139 countries in this period, or about the same as putting an extra 25m cars on the roads for a year. Spending on the Iraq war could cover all global investments in renewable energy needed to halt global warming trends in the period to 2030.

A long-range bomber produces 251 tonnes CO2e per mission. A fighter bomber 28 tonnes CO2e per mission. The average freight truck  emits 161.8 grams of CO2 per ton-mile.

Armed Forces and Climate Change

Today, each country is required to render reports to the UN on their emissions, but these exclude any fuels purchased and used by the military. As a result it is still difficult to calculate the exact responsibility of the world’s military forces for greenhouse gas emissions.

Armed forces of countries around the world will no longer be automatically exempted from emissions-cutting obligations under the UN Paris climate deal, when enforced. Decisions will be left to nation states as to which national sectors should make emissions cuts before 2030. Exemptions can only be sought through legislative exemption.

While the atmosphere counts the carbon from the military, it is politically inconvenient to reduce military emissions.

In many countries, activities including intelligence work, law enforcement, emergency response, tactical fleets and areas classified as national security interests are also exempted from reporting obligations.

The Need to Discuss Solutions

The beginning point could be an audit of the carbon footprint of the Armed Forces so that scale and dimensions of the problem can be understood, a long term plan can be worked out and progress can subsequently be measured.

Some countries have launched strategies and adopted measures to reduce the carbon footprint of their military. Many have set targets to be achieved in the next 10 and 20 and 30 years.

Solutions must be discussed so that they can be incorporated in the planning of habitat, construction of buildings, operational functioning and training, General Staff Qualitative Requirements of some of the equipment, and allocations of financial support to implement the schemes.

While it is recognised that energy security should not impede the forces from performing their primary mission, the importance of energy efficiency for the conduct of military operations has come to the fore over the past decade. The weight of batteries to power the wide range of electronic equipment used by the military adds a substantial burden to soldiers. Moreover, fuel convoys are vulnerable to attack.

We must examine whether new technologies allow us to change the way we plan our missions, procure equipment, and conduct campaigns. The possibilities are endless – Solar power, hybrid power and microgrids for bases, better insulation for soldiers’ habitat in extreme cold areas, fuel cells to power the equipment of individual soldiers, biofuels for military vehicles and so on.

Atmospheric water generator, intelligent power storage and management system, tents lined with insulation material, photovoltaic solar panels, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, hydrogen fuel cell that produces electricity could replace diesel generators.

Role of Industry

Enhancing energy efficiency in the military focuses on reducing the energy consumption of military vehicles and camps, as well as minimising their environmental footprint. Energy-saving logistics solutions must come from private companies that can contribute equipment and expertise for ‘smart energy’ production, storage, distribution and consumption. Public sector experts from ministry of defence and universities have a role to play.

Webinar Sessions

Session 1. Smart Materials for Energy and Environment: Solar Energy, Photovoltaic Materials and Devices, Electric Vehicles, Batteries and Fuel Cells.

Session 2. Solutions for Military Bases and Defence Industry: Materials for Environment, Materials & Technologies for Energy Conversion, Saving and Storage. Goals to reduce emissions, measures at manufacturing sites and processes.

Session 3. Solutions for the Indian Air Force: Bio-fuel blends, alternatives to ATF, technologies for fuel efficiency.

Session 4. Solutions for the Indian Navy.

Session 5. Solutions for the Indian Army.

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