India’s First Bio-Hydrogen Project

The Indian government awarded a contract to develop the country’s first bio-hydrogen project, led by Gensol Engineering in collaboration with Matrix Gas & Renewables. Valued at Rs 164 crore, the project aims to align with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and is set to process 25 tonnes of bio-waste daily, producing 1 tonne of green hydrogen using advanced gasification technology over 18 months.

What is Bio-Hydrogen?

Bio-hydrogen is a type of hydrogen that is produced from organic materials, such as plants, food waste, or certain microorganisms. Unlike traditional hydrogen, which is typically made from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, bio-hydrogen comes from natural sources like agricultural leftovers, food scraps, and industrial waste. This makes it a cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative. There are different ways to produce bio-hydrogen:

Biophotolysis: This method uses sunlight to split water molecules in organisms like algae, releasing hydrogen.

Dark Fermentation: Here, bacteria break down organic material without oxygen, creating hydrogen as a byproduct.

In the new Indian project, Gensol Engineering will use a technology called Plasma-Induced Radiant Energy-Based Gasification System (GH2-PREGS). This advanced process turns carbon-based waste into hydrogen gas.

Why is Bio-Hydrogen Important for India?

India is working hard to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards greener energy. One of the key initiatives supporting this is the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Given that India produces a huge amount of agricultural waste every year, bio-hydrogen provides a way to use that waste to create clean energy. This approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also supports industries, like steel and cement, that are looking to lower their emissions.

Bio-hydrogen also has the potential to help rural communities by setting up local plants that turn farm waste into energy, providing jobs and cleaner energy sources.

Opportunities for India’s Bio-Hydrogen Sector

India generates around 380 million tonnes of agricultural waste each year, providing a huge opportunity for bio-hydrogen production. Turning waste into clean energy can reduce pollution and contribute to a greener future. Additionally, industries like steel and cement, which are hard to make environmentally friendly, can use bio-hydrogen to lower their emissions.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs