CNBCTV18 Exclusive: The First-Ever Operational Green Hydrogen Plant Set up by ACME Group

Summary

The script from CNBC TV 18 reports on India's first operational green hydrogen energy plant by the ACME Group, emphasizing the potential of this clean energy source amid rising oil prices. Solar-powered electrolysis produces hydrogen from water, which is then purified and combined with nitrogen to create liquid ammonia for various industries. India aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The main challenge is cost competitiveness with fossil fuels, but experts see a multi-trillion-dollar market potential if affordability improves.

Takeaways

• 📈 The surge in oil prices due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the need for alternative energy sources.
• 🌱 The script introduces green hydrogen as a form of clean energy, produced at India's first operational green hydrogen energy plant by the ACME Group.
• ☀️ Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, using solar energy as the power source, which makes it 'green' when derived from renewable sources.
• 🔋 Solar panels are used to capture maximum solar radiation, converting sunlight into electrical energy for the electrolyzer.
• 💧 The electrolyzer, a key component of the plant, uses water as a raw material and electricity from solar panels to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
• 🌬️ Oxygen produced is released back into the air, while hydrogen is purified and used for further processes.
• 🔄 Nitrogen is extracted from the air and combined with purified hydrogen, compressed, and converted into liquid ammonia for various industrial uses.
• 🌍 India has set a national goal to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030 and has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070.
• 💰 The affordability of green hydrogen is a key challenge, as it is currently more expensive than carbon-generating alternatives.
• 🏭 The competition in green hydrogen production is global, with countries like the Middle East and Chile having advantages in solar radiation and land availability.
• 🔌 India's advantage lies in its large grid capacity, allowing for 24-hour operation of hydrogen and ammonia plants, unlike other countries.
• 📊 The potential market for green hydrogen is multi-trillion dollars, with the potential to revolutionize India's energy landscape if costs are reduced.

Q & A

What is the primary reason for the surge in oil prices mentioned in the script?

The surge in oil prices is attributed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

What alternative source of energy is the script discussing?

The script discusses green hydrogen as an alternative source of energy.

What is the location of India's first operational green hydrogen energy plant featured in the script?

The plant is located in Bikaner, in the Thar Desert, approximately 400 kilometers from New Delhi.

How is green hydrogen produced?

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or water to power the process of generating hydrogen from water.

What role do solar panels play in the production of green hydrogen?

Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is then used to power the electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen from water.

What is the main component of a green hydrogen energy plant?

The electrolyzer is the main component of a green hydrogen energy plant, using the majority of the electricity generated by solar panels.

What happens to the oxygen produced during the electrolysis process?

The oxygen produced during electrolysis is emitted back into the air and could potentially be used for medical oxygen in the future.

How is hydrogen used in the ammonia synthesis plant?

After purification, hydrogen is combined with nitrogen extracted from the air, compressed, and then converted into liquid ammonia through temperature and pressure adjustments.

What is the significance of liquid ammonia in the context of the script?

Liquid ammonia is a product of the hydrogen and nitrogen mixture, which is exported to various sectors such as steel and fertilizers globally.

What is India's national goal regarding green hydrogen production?

India has set a production target of 5 million tons of green hydrogen by the year 2030 as part of its National Hydrogen Mission.

What challenges does India face in the global market for green hydrogen production?

India faces competition from countries with higher solar radiation and larger land areas, which could potentially produce green hydrogen at a lower cost.

What is the current challenge for green hydrogen in terms of market adoption?

The affordability of green hydrogen is a key challenge, as it is currently four to five times more expensive than carbon-generating alternatives.

What advantage does India have in terms of grid capacity for 24-hour operation of hydrogen plants?

India has a large grid capacity that allows plants, especially ammonia or hydrogen plants, to operate continuously, unlike other countries that may not have the same grid capacity.