Chennai: The technology used to produce green hydrogen plays a major role in deciding how clean the fuel really is, even when renewable energy is involved, according to a new study by researchers at IIT Madras. The study found that some hydrogen production systems may create higher emissions during manufacturing but still result in lower overall emissions because they last longer and operate more efficiently, reports The Times of India.
The research, carried out with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and published in the journal Energy & Fuels, looks at proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers. These systems use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The study found that changes to certain PEM electrolyser components, such as applying special coatings to internal plates, can improve efficiency and increase the equipment’s lifespan. Although these changes raise emissions at the manufacturing stage, the total environmental impact is reduced over time because the system produces cleaner hydrogen for a longer period.
The findings underline the importance of evaluating technologies based on their full life cycle instead of only looking at emissions generated during production.
Professor Satyanarayanan Seshadri of the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras said the study offers guidance for scaling up green hydrogen production in India. He said that a better understanding of the environmental effects of different technologies can help decision-makers choose options that balance performance with sustainability. He added that selecting the right technology will be crucial as India expands its hydrogen sector.
Peter Waiyaki, a research scholar at IIT Madras, said the study focuses on PEM electrolysers, which are more efficient than conventional alkaline systems and are suitable for producing hydrogen at a large scale.
India has set a target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and plans to generate 50 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Green hydrogen is expected to play an important role in cutting emissions from sectors such as heavy industry, transport and buildings, where reducing carbon output is more difficult. Researchers said it can also improve energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen each year by 2030 and support domestic manufacturing of electrolysers.
