The current taxonomy for hydrogen production in India focuses on "green hydrogen," which is produced using solar or wind electricity. Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced with less than 2 kg CO₂/kg H₂ emissions. This taxonomy is reflected in government incentives, which prioritize green hydrogen production.

Need to Shift to "Low-Carbon Hydrogen" However, there is a need to shift from "green hydrogen" to "low-carbon hydrogen" for several reasons:

- Comparable Emissions: Nuclear-produced hydrogen has comparable emissions to green hydrogen, making it a viable alternative. - Inclusive Taxonomy: A shift to "low-carbon hydrogen" would include nuclear-produced hydrogen in the taxonomy, promoting a more diverse range of low-carbon energy sources. - Emission-Based Threshold: An emission-based threshold would allow for a more nuanced approach to hydrogen production, focusing on the actual emissions rather than the source of energy.

Benefits of "Low-Carbon Hydrogen" The benefits of adopting a "low-carbon hydrogen" taxonomy include:

- Increased Flexibility: A broader range of energy sources can be used to produce hydrogen, including nuclear and renewable energy. - Improved Efficiency: By including nuclear-produced hydrogen, India can optimize its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. - Enhanced Sustainability: A low-carbon hydrogen taxonomy would support India's decarbonization goals and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

Policy Implications To implement a "low-carbon hydrogen" taxonomy, the government could consider the following policy implications:

- Revise Incentives: Government incentives could be revised to focus on low-carbon hydrogen production, rather than just green hydrogen. - Emission-Based Standards: Emission-based standards could be established to define low-carbon hydrogen and ensure consistency across the industry. - Industry Engagement: The government could engage with industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of low-carbon hydrogen and support the development of new technologies.

Conclusion In conclusion, shifting from "green hydrogen" to "low-carbon hydrogen" would promote a more inclusive and sustainable approach to hydrogen production in India. By adopting an emission-based threshold and revising incentives, the government can support the development of low-carbon hydrogen and contribute to India's decarbonization goals. A holistic and inclusive energy policy would ensure India's transition to a sustainable and energy-secure future.