Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is B (2 and 3 only).

Statement 1 is incorrect. Hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is classified as Blue Hydrogen. If the carbon emissions are not captured during the process, it is called Grey Hydrogen. Green hydrogen, by contrast, does not use fossil fuels as a feedstock.

Statement 2 is correct. Green Hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This production pathway ensures nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Statement 3 is correct. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet of India in January 2023, is a comprehensive action plan implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). A primary objective of the mission is to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum by 2030. According to official government projections, achieving this target will lead to the abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, alongside reducing fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 lakh crore.

Takeaway: Remember the hydrogen color code based on the energy source and emission footprint: Green (Renewables + Electrolysis), Blue (Natural Gas + Carbon Capture), Grey (Natural Gas without capture), Brown/Black (Coal), and Pink (Nuclear + Electrolysis).