Green hydrogen is an emerging and promising energy carrier produced through the electrolysis of water, where renewable electricity—typically from sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower—is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (grey hydrogen) or those involving carbon capture (blue hydrogen), green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable fuel that emits no carbon during production. According to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. of India, Green Hydrogen is defined as
“Green Hydrogen” shall mean Hydrogen produced using renewable energy, including, but not limited to, production through electrolysis or conversion of biomass. Renewable energy also includes such electricity generated from renewable sources which is stored in an energy storage system or banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations.
As the world seeks solutions to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and power generation, green hydrogen offers a unique and scalable way to reduce global carbon emissions. Many countries, including India, are pushing forward with national strategies to develop green hydrogen capabilities, with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) serving as a key example. The mission aims to position India as a leader in the green hydrogen space, capitalizing on its renewable energy potential while fostering economic growth, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and promoting sustainability.
Basic Principles of Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen produced through electrolysis: – The non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of Hydrogen (kg CO2 eq/kg Hydrogen), taken as an average over last 12-month period.
Green Hydrogen produced through conversion of biomass: -The non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from biomass processing, heat/steam generation, conversion of biomass to hydrogen, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of Hydrogen (kg CO2 eq/kg Hydrogen) taken as an average over last 12-month period.
Skilling in the Green hydrogen Sector
As India seeks to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals, particularly through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), there is an increasing demand for a skilled workforce capable of supporting the green energy revolution. The solar sector, which plays a pivotal role in powering green hydrogen production through electrolysis, is a major component of this transformation. The Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) is leading efforts to ensure that there is a robust workforce equipped with the necessary technical skills to meet the demands of the green energy transition. Training programs offered by SCGJ focus on various aspects of the solar industry, These initiatives are essential in preparing workers to engage in the rapidly growing solar energy sector, thereby contributing to both the immediate and long-term success of India’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, as the solar industry continues to evolve, there is a continuous need for upskilling and reskilling, allowing workers to stay competitive and adept with new technologies, innovations, and industry practices.
Employment Opportunities in the Green Hydrogen Sector
The green hydrogen sector offers diverse employment opportunities across its value chain, including roles in design and planning, installation and commissioning, and operations and maintenance. High-demand roles include green hydrogen plant technicians, process engineers, electrolyzer technology specialists, system integration specialists, and operations managers. The production capacity targeted by 2030 is likely to leverage over 8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs. The workforce demand spans engineering disciplines, technical operations, and advanced roles in hydrogen technology development. Training programs tailored to these job roles, combined with reskilling and upskilling initiatives, will support the creation of a robust workforce equipped to drive the sector’s growth.
Skilling for Employment in Green Hydrogen
The need for skilling and reskilling in the renewable energy sector is crucial to meet the increasing demand for green jobs. As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India is also prioritizing the development of a skilled workforce that can support both the solar and green hydrogen sectors. The Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) is spearheading this effort by providing comprehensive training and certification programs to individuals across different skill levels. Key skill requirements include expertise in manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operation of green hydrogen technologies. Specific focus areas include biomass gasification, biomethane reformers, and hydrogen storage technologies like Type III tanks. Additionally, professionals with competencies in system integration, infrastructure development, and advanced R&D for hydrogen production technologies are crucial.
Short-term skilling needs (0-8 years) include developing competencies for installing and operating green hydrogen technologies and hydrogen utilization in sectors like marine transport, power, and locomotives. Long-term skilling needs (up to 15 years) emphasize advanced research skills, manufacturing and testing expertise for hydrogen storage, and workforce development for expanding hydrogen infrastructure. Collaborative programs with industry and integration of hydrogen-related subjects into technical education are key strategies for workforce development in this sector.
