Brief Context
In News India’s energy transition is increasingly focusing on green hydrogen and its derivatives, with green ammonia emerging as a crucial pathway. Green ammonia It is produced using green hydrogen, and is emerging as a leading clean fuel for fertilizers, energy, and marine applications. Globally, procurement mechanisms such as the EU’s H2Global initiative and South Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard are driving market development.
Source Content
Syllabus:GS3/Environment
In News
- India’s energy transition is increasingly focusing on green hydrogen and its derivatives, with green ammonia emerging as a crucial pathway.
Green ammonia
- It is produced using green hydrogen, and is emerging as a leading clean fuel for fertilizers, energy, and marine applications.
- Globally, procurement mechanisms such as the EU’s H2Global initiative and South Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard are driving market development.
- India’s green ammonia auction under SECI’s SIGHT programme (part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission) stands out for its scale and competitiveness.
Benefits of Green Ammonia
- Decarbonization of Fertilizers: India’s fertilizer sector, heavily dependent on imported ammonia, can significantly cut emissions by adopting green ammonia.
- Energy Storage & Transport: Ammonia is easier to store and transport compared to hydrogen, making it a practical energy carrier.
- Export Potential: India can become a hub for green ammonia exports, especially to countries seeking clean fuels.
- Industrial Applications: green ammonia can be used in shipping, power generation, and chemical industries.
- Strategic Independence: Reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports, strengthening India’s energy security.
Challenges
- High Costs: Current green ammonia production is more expensive than conventional ammonia.
- Technology Readiness: Large-scale electrolyzers and ammonia synthesis technologies need further development.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Storage, transport, and distribution networks for green ammonia are still limited.
- Coal Dependence: India’s power sector remains heavily reliant on coal, complicating the transition.
- Global Competition: Other countries are also investing heavily, requiring India to scale rapidly to remain competitive.
Steps Taken by the Government
- The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme has an outlay of ₹17,490 crore to promote green hydrogen in India.
- It supports domestic manufacturing of electrolysers.
- It supports the production of green hydrogen.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission emphasizes ammonia as a key derivative for industrial decarbonization.
- International Collaboration: India is engaging with global partners to attract investment and technology transfer.
- Pilot Projects: Initiatives in fertilizer plants and shipping are being tested to integrate green ammonia.
- Carbon Neutrality Goal: India’s declared target of net-zero emissions by 2070 places green ammonia at the heart of its energy roadmap.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- India’s green ammonia strategy supports its energy transition by reducing fertilizer emissions, improving energy security, and creating export opportunities.
- India’s green ammonia success stems from low renewable energy costs, effective contract structures, strong logistics, and targeted incentives.
- To maintain progress, it needs stable regulations, integrated renewable systems, blended finance, risk safeguards, and robust safety and certification frameworks.
- With sustained coordination, India can emerge as a global leader in clean ammonia.
- At the India Energy Week 2026, Prime Minister highlighted investment opportunities worth $500 billion in clean energy, positioning India as a global leader in the green ammonia landscape.
Source :TH