India’s drive to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and secure 50 percent non-fossil electricity by 2030 has placed green hydrogen at the centre of its clean energy transition. As a versatile, low-emission fuel, green hydrogen is particularly crucial for hard-to-abate sectors including industry, transport, and buildings. It also strengthens energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. In this context, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed a comprehensive analysis of how India can expand green hydrogen production sustainably.

The study was led by Prof Satyanarayanan Seshadri from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras in partnership with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy. The research examines technology options, environmental impacts, and material requirements for widespread green hydrogen deployment. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Energy and Fuels by the American Chemical Society, with contributions from researchers Peter Waiyaki, Ramprasad Thekkethil, and Murali Ananthakumar. Together, they offer guidance for policymakers and industry as India accelerates its hydrogen ecosystem.

Technology choices linked to environmental outcomes

Prof Seshadri, who heads The Energy Consortium at IIT Madras, noted that the roadmap stresses the link between technology selection and environmental performance. He said that understanding the life-cycle implications of different electrolyser systems is essential for expanding hydrogen production without compromising sustainability objectives. The study focuses particularly on Proton-Exchange Membrane electrolysers, which provide higher efficiency and faster response times than conventional alkaline systems. These characteristics make them suitable for large-scale hydrogen production aligned with India’s clean energy ambitions.

Research scholar Peter Waiyaki explained that while PEM systems offer performance advantages, their environmental footprints vary significantly depending on design choices. For instance, coating bipolar plates with electrocatalysts improves operational efficiency and extends component life. Although this increases manufacturing emissions, the system produces cleaner hydrogen over its operational lifetime. The findings underline the importance of life-cycle assessments in guiding India’s technology and manufacturing decisions.

The study aligns closely with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the production of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. By evaluating viable technology pathways and associated environmental impacts, the IIT Madras research provides a detailed foundation for the mission’s goals, supporting India’s shift towards a sustainable hydrogen-powered future.

Source: 

https://chemindigest.com/iit-madras-researchers-outline-roadmap-for-green-hydrogen/