Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have conducted a comprehensive study to boost on green hydrogen production in India.

India is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to generate 50 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Green hydrogen — a clean fuel produced from renewable energy — can play a central role in reducing emissions from sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise such as industry, transport, and buildings.

By providing a low-emission and versatile energy carrier, green hydrogen can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support the country’s sustainable development goals.

Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri, Dept of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras partnered with Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), to conduct a comprehensive study on green hydrogen production in India.

The researchers also studied the impact and material requirements associated with scaling up green hydrogen production, offering critical guidance for India’s ambitious climate and energy targets.

The findings were published in reputed, peer-reviewed journal Energy & Fuels (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c04200) brought out by the American Chemical Society. The research paper was co-authored by Peter Waiyaki, Ramprasad Thekkethil, Murali Ananthakumar and Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri.

Elaborating on this research, Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri, who is also the Head of The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras, said, “Our research provides a comprehensive roadmap for expanding green hydrogen production in India. By understanding the environmental and material implications of different technologies, we can make informed choices that ensure both efficiency and sustainability.” He added, “This study highlights the critical link between technology selection and environmental outcomes, which will be essential for policymakers and industry as India scales up its hydrogen sector.”

Further, Mr. Peter Waiyaki, Research Scholar, IIT Madras added, “Our research focuses on a type of electrolyser called ‘Proton-Exchange Membrane’ (PEM) system. The PEM electrolysers are more efficient than traditional alkaline systems and are well-suited for producing large quantities of hydrogen, making them ideal for India’s plans to scale up clean energy production.”

Launched in January 2023, India’s Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission also seeks to increase the domestic production of electrolysers—special machines that utilise electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The Key findings of this IIT Madras Study indicates that different configurations of PEM electrolysers yield significantly varying environmental impacts. For instance, coating the bipolar plates with electrocatalysts increases the lifetime and operational efficiency of the electrolyser. Although this increases emissions during manufacturing, the hydrogen produced is significantly cleaner over the system’s lifetime, demonstrating that careful technology selection is critical for sustainable scale-up.

The study also emphasises the importance of standardising green hydrogen classification. Variations in technology result in hydrogen with differing emission footprints, even when all hydrogen is produced from renewable energy. The research proposes a tiered classification system— “platinum,” “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze”—to clearly communicate the environmental quality of hydrogen, thereby providing transparency for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders.

The study also provides guidance for securing critical raw materials required for PEM electrolysers, helping to mitigate supply risks and ensure that India’s green hydrogen infrastructure can grow reliably. This research lays the foundation for future studies, including improved life cycle data, more detailed assessments of production pathways, and robust analyses of material availability.