Green Hydrogen: Potential Master Key for Combating Climate Change

India has committed to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, as compared to 2005 levels, under the Paris Agreement on climate change. A shift in energy production and use can be a key starting point to drive these commitments. Green hydrogen (GH)-driven energy is emerging as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and battery-powered mobility systems. Strong hydrogen demand growth and the adoption of cleaner technologies for its production enable green hydrogen-based fuels to avoid up to 3.6 Gt CO2 emissions between now and 2050 to contribute towards net-zero vision and climate risks. Developed economies like the European Union, Australia, and Japan have already drawn a hydrogen roadmap to achieve green economic growth. Developing countries like India can also decarbonize their energy-intensive sectors such as industry, transport, and power by moving towards hydrogen economy. India has announced National Green hydrogen Mission and is adopting GH-based economy by working on R&D, especially with respect to technology development and advancement, finding import substitutes, formulating guidelines and policies on environment, health and safety. Stakeholders’ engagement is also vital for harnessing the power of this green fuel to reduce the impacts of climate change and promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. The chapter outlines the potential benefits of using GH as a vital part of the total energy basket and further developing a national road map for hydrogen that supports a stronger and faster energy transition beyond India’s current climate change initiatives. Towards the end, a possible way forward has been suggested for harnessing the power of GH that can help capitalize on value creation. Learning objectives: