Towards a Green Hydrogen Economy Identifying Externalities and Transition Challenges in Rajasthan

Date:
December 2, 2024
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This paper examines the potential for developing a green hydrogen economy in Rajasthan, India, within the context of national decarbonization goals and the state's ambitious target to produce 2000 kilo tonnes per annum (kTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030. Leveraging Rajasthan's substantial renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power, the study analyzes the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation, and consumption. The research evaluates two demand scenarios: a Base Scenario projecting 180 KTPA demand by 2030, primarily driven by existing industries, and a Policy Target Scenario aligned with the Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Policy's more ambitious goals. The study identifies key challenges in green hydrogen uptake, including high production costs, limited domestic demand, and infrastructure requirements. The paper explores strategies to reduce production costs, focusing on renewable energy integration, electrolyser manufacturing, and policy support. It proposes the development of Green Hydrogen Valleys as an integrated solution to address challenges across the value chain1 . The study also examines storage and transportation infrastructure needs, emphasizing the importance of developing cost-effective and safe methods for hydrogen handling. Furthermore, the research discusses both financial and non-financial enablers for the green hydrogen transition, including innovative financing mechanisms, consumption obligations, and unified tendering processes. Importantly, the paper proposes administrative recalibrations for the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) to effectively manage the transition and coordinate across sectors. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the opportunities, challenges, and strategic approaches for establishing Rajasthan as a leader in the emerging green hydrogen economy, contributing to both state and national sustainability objectives. The findings and recommendations presented throughout the paper aim to foster a robust green hydrogen ecosystem in Rajasthan, positioning the state as a key player in India's energy transition and climate goals.