Strategic Significance for India
- Natural hydrogen can help meet India’s net-zero target by 2070 and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Offers a low-cost, low-emission alternative to manufactured hydrogen (e.g., green or grey hydrogen).
- Enhances energy security and strategic autonomy, vital in a geopolitically volatile world.
Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security)
Estimated Potential
- Preliminary academic models suggest India may hold 3,475 million tonnes of natural hydrogen.
- India’s hydrogen demand is projected to rise from 6 Mt/year (2020) to 50+ Mt/year (2070).
- Natural hydrogen could replace manufactured hydrogen, if large, accessible reserves are confirmed.
Key Exploration Challenges
- Limited exploration techniques unlike well-established oil and gas methods.
- Hydrogen’s high diffusivity and small molecular size make containment and extraction harder.
- Safety concerns: Hydrogen is reactive and requires specialized materials for handling.
- Accurate identification of seals, traps, and hydrocarbon generation potential is essential.
Infrastructure & Technology Gaps
- Need for cost-effective extraction methods and hydrogen-resistant materials.
- Lack of widespread geological studies and mapping focused on hydrogen.
- Storage solutions (e.g., underground storage) are still underdeveloped in India.
- Existing natural gas pipelines may require upgrades to carry hydrogen safely.
Suggested Roadmap for India
- Replicate Solar Mission’s SRRA model to map hydrogen reserves via public-private partnerships.
- Leverage expertise from Oil & Gas industry and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons to analyze rock samples and drill test wells.
- Adapt some current gas pipelines for hydrogen transport after safety upgrades.
- Develop regulatory frameworks and offer grants/debt capital to incentivize exploration.
Global Best Practices
- The U.S. is exploring in-situ hydrogen generation by injecting water (and CO₂) into iron-rich rocks, enabling simultaneous carbon sequestration.
- India could adopt and pilot similar reactive drilling technologies to expand its options.
Cost Considerations
- Natural hydrogen could be cheaper than manufactured hydrogen, but feasibility depends on:
- Scale and accessibility of reserves
- Infrastructure investments
- Technology adaptation costs
- Early pilot projects and cost-benefit analyses will guide long-term investments.
