In a significant move towards achieving carbon neutrality and bolstering clean energy initiatives, the Government of India has introduced the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Launched on April 29, 2025, by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, this scheme aims to establish a robust framework for verifying and promoting green hydrogen production. This development is crucial for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking, as it highlights India’s commitment to sustainable energy and global climate goals.
What is the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme?
The GHCI is designed to ensure that hydrogen produced in India meets stringent environmental standards, qualifying it as “green.” According to the scheme, hydrogen is classified as green only if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen, averaged over a 12-month period. This certification program is a cornerstone of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹197.44 billion (~$2.3 billion), aiming to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.
Key Fact for Exams: The GHCI was launched on April 29, 2025, by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to support India’s goal of producing 5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030.
Key Features of the GHCI
- Eligible Production Pathways: Only two pathways are currently eligible for certification—electrolysis and biomass conversion (including biogas reforming and gasification). Stakeholders can propose additional pathways for review by a technical committee.
- Renewable Energy Requirement: Green hydrogen production must use verifiable renewable electricity, sourced through power purchase agreements or load dispatch certificates. Renewable energy certificates or carbon credits cannot be claimed.
- Certification Types:
- Concept Certificate: Voluntary, issued for facility design compliance.
- Facility-Level Certificate: Mandatory for facilities seeking provisional or final certification, requiring statutory “consent to operate.”
- Provisional Certificate: Auto-generated based on production data (1–11 months).
- Final Certificate: Mandatory for producers receiving government incentives, subsidies, or supplying domestic/export markets.
- Emission Standards: GHG emissions are calculated using GHCI methodology or standards like ISO 14064/ISO 19870:2023. Non-renewable emissions use the Central Electricity Authority’s grid emission factor.
- Transparency and Verification: Producers must maintain detailed records for five years, verified by Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal authority.
Significance for India’s Energy Goals
The GHCI is a pivotal step in building stakeholder confidence, attracting investments, and advancing India’s carbon neutrality objectives. By ensuring transparent monitoring and verification, the scheme enhances the credibility of India’s green hydrogen ecosystem. It supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s target of establishing 5 million tons of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, backed by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity and 60–100 GW of electrolyzer capacity.
Exam Tip: Remember the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s financial outlay (₹197.44 billion) and its target of reducing fossil fuel imports by ₹1 trillion by 2030.
Why It Matters for Competitive Exams
Questions related to green energy initiatives, environmental policies, and India’s climate commitments are frequently asked in competitive exams. The GHCI’s focus on clean energy aligns with global trends like the Paris Agreement and India’s net-zero target by 2070. Aspirants should note the scheme’s technical details, such as emission thresholds and certification types, as well as its broader implications for energy security and economic growth.
Conclusion
The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India marks a transformative step in India’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. By setting rigorous standards for green hydrogen production, the scheme not only supports environmental goals but also positions India as a leader in the global clean energy market. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding the GHCI’s objectives and features is essential for tackling questions on current affairs and environmental policies.
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