Energy ยท GS3
Green hydrogen in the refining sector
One line
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, 30 kilotonnes per annum of green hydrogen capacity was awarded for four refineries through SIGHT Mode 2B.
Summary
Refineries already use hydrogen in processes such as desulphurisation. Replacing hydrogen made from fossil fuels with green hydrogen can reduce emissions, but the result depends on renewable electricity, electrolyser efficiency, water, transport, and credible certification.
PYQ pattern
UPSC energy questions often ask how hydrogen is produced and what makes it low-carbon. Use the official UPSC archive.
Core notes
- Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity or another pathway that meets the applicable emissions standard.
- Electrolysers split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
- SIGHT means Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition. The projects were to use Build Own Operate arrangements.
- A production-capacity award is not the same as completed low-carbon output.
Prelims lens
- Hydrogen is an energy carrier.
- KTPA means kilotonnes per annum, a yearly capacity measure.
- Green hydrogen must be judged by production emissions and the source of energy, not colour alone.
MCQ 1
Electrolysis of water produces:
- A. hydrogen and oxygen
- B. methane and coal
- C. nitrogen and diesel
- D. only carbon dioxide
Reveal answerHide answer
A
An electrolyser uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
MCQ 2
Consider the following statements:
- A capacity award proves that the full capacity is already operating.
- Green hydrogen's climate benefit depends on the electricity and lifecycle emissions used in production.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
B
An award is a project commitment. Climate benefit depends on the actual production pathway and emissions.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: How can green hydrogen reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as refining, and what barriers could limit its scale?
Approach:
- Define green hydrogen, electrolysis, and refining use.
- Discuss fossil-hydrogen substitution, renewable power, industrial decarbonisation, and energy security.
- Examine cost, water, electricity, transport, storage, certification, and demand.
- Recommend standards, aggregation, renewable integration, research, and transparent lifecycle accounting.