Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have carried out a detailed study aimed at supporting the expansion of green hydrogen production in India, a key element of the country’s long-term clean energy and climate goals, reports iitm.ac.in.
India has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and to source 50 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is seen as an important solution for cutting emissions in sectors such as industry, transport and buildings, which are difficult to decarbonise through conventional means. It can also help improve energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The study was led by Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The research examined the environmental impact and material requirements involved in scaling up green hydrogen production in India, offering insights relevant to policymakers and industry.
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Energy & Fuels, brought out by the American Chemical Society. The paper was co-authored by Peter Waiyaki, Ramprasad Thekkethil, Murali Ananthakumar and Prof. Seshadri.
Explaining the study, Prof. Seshadri, who also heads The Energy Consortium at IIT Madras, said the research sets out a clear pathway for expanding green hydrogen production in a sustainable manner. He said understanding the environmental effects and material needs of different technologies is essential to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability as the sector grows. He added that the choice of technology will play a major role in shaping environmental outcomes as India scales up hydrogen use.
Peter Waiyaki, a research scholar at IIT Madras, said the study focused on proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, which are more efficient than conventional alkaline systems and better suited for large-scale hydrogen production. He said these systems align well with India’s plans to rapidly expand clean energy capacity.
India’s Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission also seeks to boost domestic manufacturing of electrolysers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
According to the study, different designs of PEM electrolysers can have very different environmental impacts. For example, coating bipolar plates with electrocatalysts increases manufacturing emissions but extends the equipment’s life and improves efficiency, resulting in cleaner hydrogen over the system’s lifetime. The findings underline the importance of careful technology choices when scaling up production.
The researchers also stressed the need for a clear and standard classification system for green hydrogen. They noted that even hydrogen produced from renewable energy can have varying emission levels depending on the technology used. To address this, the study proposes a tiered classification system — labelled “platinum,” “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze” — to clearly indicate environmental performance and improve transparency for policymakers, investors and industry.
In addition, the study offers guidance on securing critical raw materials needed for PEM electrolysers, helping reduce supply risks and support steady growth of green hydrogen infrastructure. The researchers said the work provides a foundation for future studies, including improved data on life-cycle impacts, detailed assessments of production routes and closer analysis of material availability.
