India Launches Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI)

1. The Government of India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
2. The scheme aims to establish a robust certification framework for green hydrogen (GH) to ensure transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

Overview of GHCI

1. Nodal Ministry: The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
2. Execution Authority: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the designated nodal body for operationalizing the certification process.
3. GHCI focuses on developing a detailed methodology for measuring, monitoring, reporting, and verifying the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Certification Framework Under GHCI

1. Certification will be conducted at the project level, covering all stages of green hydrogen production up to compression and purification.
2. Processes like storage and transport outside plant boundaries, conversion into hydrogen carriers, and end-use applications are excluded from the certification scope.
3. Two types of certificates are defined under the scheme:
   1. Concept Certificate (Voluntary): For early-stage or pilot projects.
   2. Facility-Level Certificate (Mandatory): Required for operational hydrogen production facilities.
4. Emission intensity calculations will follow the MNRE Green Hydrogen Emission Calculation Methodology.
5. To qualify as 'green', the average emission intensity must be ≤ 2 kg CO₂eq/kg of H₂ produced.
6. Certificates are non-transferable and non-tradeable, and cannot be used to claim carbon credits or emission reductions.

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): The Umbrella Program

1. Launched in 2023, NGHM seeks to position India as a Global Hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
2. The mission sets an ambitious target of producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
3. Key components include the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme and the development of Green Hydrogen Hubs.
4. Core strategies involve creating domestic and export demand, resolving supply-side issues, and establishing a national certification system like GHCI.

 

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