National Green Hydrogen Mission Scheme Guidelines

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Why in News?

The Government of India has issued new guidelines for funding testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), aimed at enhancing the quality and safety standards in the Green Hydrogen sector.

Guidelines Overview:

• Issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on July 4, 2024.
• Focus on creating and upgrading testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes in the Green Hydrogen value chain.
• Scheme to be implemented with a budget of Rs. 200 Crores till FY 2025-26.
• National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will act as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA).

Goals and Implementation:

• Identify gaps in existing testing facilities and support the creation of new ones.
• Ensure robust quality, sustainability, and safety in Green Hydrogen production and trade.
• Encourage participation from both private and government entities.
• Funding up to 100% for government entities and 70% for non-government entities for equipment and commissioning.
• Support the establishment of new testing infrastructure and the upgrade of existing facilities.

Significance:

• The scheme aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission's broader goals to decarbonize the economy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and establish India as a leader in Green Hydrogen technology.
• The initiative is part of India’s efforts to become self-reliant in clean energy and contribute to the global clean energy transition.

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) aims to promote the commercial production of green hydrogen and position India as a net exporter of this clean fuel. Launched to drive India’s transition towards a sustainable and self-reliant energy future, the mission encompasses several key sub-schemes:

Sub-schemes of NGHM:

1. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT):
   • Objective: To fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and the production of green hydrogen.
   • Focus: Enhancing the capacity for local production and reducing dependence on imports.
2. Green Hydrogen Hubs:
   • Objective: To develop regions capable of supporting large-scale production or utilization of hydrogen.
   • Focus: Establishing specific areas as centers for green hydrogen production and consumption, leveraging local resources and infrastructure.
3. Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP):
   • Objective: To foster research and development through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
   • Focus: Encouraging innovation and technological advancements in the green hydrogen sector.

Green Hydrogen Production

Process:

• Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolysis process.
• Electrolysis: Involves passing an electric current through water to induce a chemical change, separating hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
• Energy Source: The electrolysis process is powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, ensuring the sustainability of the hydrogen produced.

The NGHM not only supports the production and utilization of green hydrogen but also focuses on developing the necessary infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating strategic hubs to enhance India’s position in the global green hydrogen market.

NITI Aayog - Sampoornata Abhiyan

 Why in News?

NITI Aayog launched the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' on July 4, 2024, aiming for 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators in 500 Aspirational Blocks and 112 Aspirational Districts over a three-month campaign.

Campaign Launch and Participation:

• A nationwide initiative focusing on Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, Social Development, and Education.
• The campaign involves extensive participation from district and block-level officials, community leaders, local representatives, and citizens.
• Activities include health camps, awareness marches, cultural programs, and educational competitions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Aspirational Blocks:
  1. Antenatal care registration in the first trimester.
  2. Diabetes and hypertension screening.
  3. Supplementary nutrition for pregnant women.
  4. Soil Health Cards generation.
  5. Revolving fund access for Self Help Groups (SHGs).
• Aspirational Districts:
  1. Antenatal care registration in the first trimester.
  2. Supplementary nutrition for pregnant women.
  3. Full immunization of children (9-11 months).
  4. Soil Health Cards distribution.
  5. Functional electricity in secondary schools.
  6. Timely provision of textbooks in schools.

Implementation and Support:

• NITI Aayog officials and Young Professionals are guiding and supporting local governance. Collaboration with Central Ministries, State, and Union Territory governments to achieve campaign objectives. Emphasis on competitive and cooperative federalism to enhance socio-economic development.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

Why in News?

The recently announced executive and governing boards of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) lack sufficient representation from Indian industry and state universities. Despite the ANRF Act, 2023 allowing for up to five members from business organisations or industries, the current 15-member Governing Board includes only one industrialist and two university representatives.

Board Composition and Governance:

• Current Board: Primarily composed of government officials and department secretaries, with minimal representation from industry and state universities.
• Allowed Composition: The ANRF Act, 2023 permits appointing up to five members from business organisations or industries onto the governing board.
• Replacement: The ANRF replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was established in 2008.

Scope and Funding:

• Expanded Scope: Unlike SERB, ANRF includes humanities and social sciences in its definition of research.
• Funding Structure: ANRF can fund and receive money from private and international sources, with a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore for the 2024-2025 financial year.

Research and Development Context:

• Private Sector Involvement: In 2019-20, only 36% of India’s total research expenditure came from the private sector.
• R&D Expenditure: India’s overall R&D expenditure remains low at 0.6% of GDP, compared to the global average of 1.8%.

Objectives and Functions:

• Central Hub: ANRF will act as a central hub, promoting R&D activities across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D labs.
• Alignment with NEP: It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations, ensuring research efforts meet national educational objectives.
• Collaboration: Fosters collaboration between industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions, creating a platform for participation and contribution.