Energy specialists in India have emphasized the necessity of combining hydrogen production with nuclear energy to address the increasing demand for energy

India's Energy Objectives:

Net Zero Emissions by 2070: India is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, necessitating significant transformations in its energy infrastructure.

500 GW from Renewable Sources by 2030: The country intends to establish 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power.

Expansion of Nuclear Energy: The government aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 to fulfill base-load energy demands.

Green Hydrogen Initiative: The focus is on utilizing renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, thereby reducing carbon emissions in various industries.

Electrification of End-Use Sectors: A shift towards electric vehicles, heat pumps, and electric furnaces is planned to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.

Factors Contributing to Increased Energy Demand in India:

Economic Development Goals: India aspires to evolve into a developed economy, leading to heightened energy consumption across multiple sectors. For instance, per capita electricity consumption is projected to triple by 2040.

Population Growth and Urbanization: The growth of urban areas and the adoption of middle-class lifestyles are driving up energy requirements. For example, urban energy consumption per capita is twice that of rural areas.

Decarbonization of Industries: The transition of sectors such as steel, cement, and fertilizers to cleaner energy sources is increasing electricity demand. An example includes the use of hydrogen as a substitute for coal in iron ore reduction.

Digitalization and Automation: The rise of data centers, smart infrastructure, and artificial intelligence systems necessitates a continuous power supply. The share of the IT and digital economy in energy demand is rapidly increasing.

Climate Adaptation Requirements: The need for enhanced cooling, irrigation, and disaster management calls for a dependable electricity supply. This includes power for flood pumps, drought irrigation, and cooling systems.

Current Strategies to Address Rising Demand:

Growth of Renewable Energy: There has been a substantial increase in the capacity of solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects.

Nuclear Power for Base Load: Nuclear energy provides a stable, low-carbon electricity source to support intermittent renewable energy.

Battery Storage Solutions: These systems are employed to store energy generated from solar and wind sources for use during non-generating periods.

Hydrogen Production via Electrolysis: Surplus electricity is utilized to generate green hydrogen for industrial applications.

Temporary Flexibility of Coal Plants: Coal plants are being adjusted to meet fluctuating energy demands.

Challenges Encountered by Current Solutions:

Intermittency of Renewable Energy Sources: Solar and wind energy cannot provide a continuous supply. For instance, solar energy is only available during daylight hours, while wind energy is subject to seasonal variations.

Cost Inefficiency of Nuclear Flexibility: The high capital investment and low marginal costs associated with nuclear energy render its flexible operation economically unviable. For example, the variable costs remain constant even when output is reduced.

High Costs of Battery Storage: The deployment of large-scale battery systems faces significant financial and material challenges. An example includes the risks associated with the supply of lithium and rare-earth elements.

Disparate Treatment of Hydrogen and Storage: Hydrogen and electricity storage are regarded as separate systems, which diminishes potential synergies. For instance, maintaining parallel systems increases the overall cost of infrastructure.

Ambiguity in Hydrogen Classification: The current definition of green hydrogen is limited to renewable sources, excluding nuclear energy. For example, hydrogen produced from nuclear power is low-carbon but does not meet the official criteria for being labeled as “green.”

Proposed Path Forward: Hydrogen as a Viable Solution

Reclassify Green Hydrogen as Low-Carbon: Implement a carbon threshold-based classification system that includes hydrogen produced from nuclear energy. For instance, a criterion of less than 2 kg CO₂ per kg H₂ would align nuclear energy with the green designation.

Integrate Hydrogen with Storage Solutions: Merge hydrogen production via electrolysis with battery storage to enhance economic efficiency. For example, this integration can minimize the need for energy curtailment and reduce reliance on standalone battery systems.

Expedite Nuclear Energy Deployment: Focus on accelerating the implementation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Boiling Water Reactors (BSRs) utilizing domestic technology. For instance, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is currently executing a plan for 26 units.

Promote Industrial Adoption of Hydrogen: Encourage sectors such as fertilizers, steel, and transportation to transition to green or low-carbon hydrogen. For example, surplus grid power can be utilized to operate hydrogen electrolyzers during off-peak hours.

Enhance Grid Flexibility Mechanisms: Implement AI-driven demand response and grid balancing technologies. For instance, smart metering and load management can be achieved through digital platforms.

Conclusion:

India's journey towards clean energy leadership hinges on the effective integration of low-carbon nuclear energy, renewable sources, and hydrogen solutions. By synergizing electricity storage with hydrogen, it is possible to balance intermittent energy supply and ensure a continuous provision of clean energy.