Green Hydrogen: Key Notes & TOP 25 MCQS for UPSC, SSC Exams
If you are looking for potential opportunities in clean energy, green hydrogen can prove to be a golden path for you. It is a renewable energy source that is created by electrolyzing water using wind and solar power. It is completely carbon-neutral and can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions in industry, transport, and power sectors. In this article, you will learn how green hydrogen is produced, its advantages, its production process, government initiatives, challenges, and how you can take advantage of it.
Comparison Between Green Hydrogen and Other Green Sources of Energy
| Criteria | Green Hydrogen vs Other Green Energy |
|---|---|
| Source | Green hydrogen uses electrolysis with renewable power; solar/wind directly use sunlight or wind. |
| Storage | Hydrogen is stored in tanks; solar/wind energy needs batteries or pumped hydro. |
| Transport | Hydrogen is transportable via pipelines/cylinders; electricity requires grids. |
| Applications | Hydrogen fuels heavy industry and mobility; solar/wind power homes, grids, EVs. |
| Cost | Green hydrogen is costlier now; solar/wind are cheaper and mature. |
| Scalability | Solar/wind are widely scalable; hydrogen needs more infrastructure. |
| Environment | Both are clean; hydrogen uses water, while solar/wind need land and minerals. |
What is Green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is created when water is electrolyzed using only renewable energy.
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It is completely carbon-neutral, and its production is free from CO₂ emissions.
Water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen during the production process.
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It can be used as energy storage to stabilize the power grid.
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It can become an ideal option to be used in fuel cell vehicles.
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In the future, it will be of great utility in areas like industry, power, and transport.
How is Green Hydrogen produced?
Green hydrogen is created by electrolysis with sustainable energy.
Initially, an apparatus called an electrolyzer is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The electrolyzer is connected to a wind or solar energy source.
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An extremely clean and effective electrolyte is added in the process.
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After production, hydrogen is prepared to be compressed, stored, or transported.
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The entire process is environmentally friendly and does not contain any pollutant emissions.
How is Green Hydrogen promoted?
The Government of India is promoting the Green Hydrogen Mission through various schemes.
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Pilot plants are being set up on a large scale under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
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The government is encouraging investment by providing tax exemptions, subsidies, and soft loans.
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Coordination is being maintained in the energy systems through inter-ministerial cooperation.
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Green hydrogen corridors and production centers are being developed by the states.
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The policy focuses on reducing the cost of electrolyzers by adding R&D funding.
What are the Advantages of Green Hydrogen?
This clean energy solution offers several benefits across various sectors.
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It helps in curbing atmospheric pollution by significantly reducing carbon emissions.
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It contributes to improving air quality by replacing fossil fuels in industry.
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It helps in mitigating grid breaks by augmenting energy storage.
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Its development will lead to job creation, such as employment in plant operations and technical jobs.
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India's energy exports will increase through international trade.
Comparison Between Green Hydrogen and Other Green Sources of Energy
| Criteria | Green Hydrogen | Other Green Energy (e.g., Solar, Wind) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Electrolysis of water using renewable electricity | Sunlight (solar panels), Wind turbines |
| Storage | Can be stored and transported as a gas or a liquid | Requires batteries or pumped hydro systems |
| Transport | Pipelines, tankers, high-pressure cylinders | Limited direct transport; electricity via grid |
| Applications | Fuel cells, industry, aviation, heavy transport | Homes, offices, EVs, and small-scale industry |
| Emission | Zero emissions during production & use | Zero emissions during production & use |
| Scalability | Emerging requires infrastructure & policy | Well-established and rapidly scalable |
| Cost | High, but falling with R&D and incentives | Lower and dropping steadily |
| Energy Conversion Loss | Moderate to high loss (electrolysis + fuel cells) | Low loss in direct electricity use |
| Environmental Impact | Very low; water required for electrolysis | Very low; land and materials may be needed |
What are the Challenges of Green Hydrogen?
There are many challenges in the production and use of green hydrogen, but solutions are also available.
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The cost of the electrolyzer is still high—economies of scale are required for this.
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The availability and intermittency of renewable energy sources can be a hindrance to production.
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Storage and transportation require high safety standards.
One technological obstacle is the issue of renewable energy grid integration.
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The government is tackling these challenges through R&D, financial guidance, subsidies, and indigenous technology development.
How is Green Hydrogen Useful?
The use of green hydrogen is making many industries and sectors energy efficient.
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It is an ideal alternative to fossil fuels in the steel, ammonia, and chemical industries.
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It can be used as a clean fuel in fuel cell vehicles, such as trucks, trains, and buses.
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It supports power grids on a large scale as a form of blocked energy storage.
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It is possible to reduce pollution by increasing travel distances in the aviation and marine sectors.
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With its use, the dream of clean fuel-based public transport systems in the country will come true.
Who can Produce Green Hydrogen?
Public and private cooperation is necessary to spread green hydrogen on a large scale.
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Large plants are being set up through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
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MSMEs and startups are being given freedom for technological development.
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Tax holidays and ease-of-doing-business measures are being taken to attract foreign investment.
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Extensive training programs are being run by Skill India and training institutes.
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National R&D incubators are helping to create indigenous technology.
Top 25 MCQs on Green Hydrogen for UPSC Exams
Green hydrogen is emerging as a key pillar of India’s clean energy transition. These MCQs help UPSC aspirants understand concepts, applications, policies, and challenges related to green hydrogen in a concise, exam-oriented manner.
1. What is the primary method used to produce "Green Hydrogen"?
a) Steam Methane Reforming
b) Electrolysis of water using renewable energy
c) Coal Gasification
d) Burning Biomass
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Answer: b) Electrolysis of water using renewable energy
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar or wind.
2. How does "Grey Hydrogen" differ from Green Hydrogen?
a) It is blue in color
b) It is produced from natural gas and releases CO2
c) It is made from nuclear power
d) It is safer
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Answer: b) It is produced from natural gas and releases CO2
Grey hydrogen is created via Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) of natural gas, emitting carbon dioxide as a byproduct, unlike emission-free Green Hydrogen.
3. What defines "Blue Hydrogen"?
a) Hydrogen made from water
b) Hydrogen from fossil fuels with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
c) Hydrogen mixed with Nitrogen
d) Hydrogen made in the ocean
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Answer: b) Hydrogen from fossil fuels with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
It is produced like Grey Hydrogen, but the resulting CO2 emissions are captured and stored underground instead of being released into the atmosphere.
4. India's "National Green Hydrogen Mission" aims for a production capacity of at least:
a) 1 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) per annum
b) 5 MMT per annum by 2030
c) 10 MMT per annum
d) 50 MMT per annum
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Answer: b) 5 MMT per annum by 2030
The mission targets establishing a production capacity of at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes per year by 2030 to reduce fossil fuel imports.
5. What is the only byproduct when Hydrogen is used in a Fuel Cell?
a) Carbon Dioxide
b) Methane
c) Water (H2O)
d) Sulfur Dioxide
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Answer: c) Water (H2O)
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, with pure water and heat being the only emissions.
6. What is an "Electrolyzer"?
a) A storage tank for hydrogen
b) A device that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen
c) A hydrogen engine
d) A type of battery
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Answer: b) A device that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen
It uses an electric current to cause a chemical reaction (electrolysis). Common types include Alkaline and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers.
7. The "SIGHT" programme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission stands for:
a) Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition
b) Solar Integrated Green Hydrogen Technology
c) Sustainable International Green Hydrogen Trade
d) Smart Indian Green Hydrogen Transport
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Answer: a) Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition
It is a financial incentive scheme to promote the domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and the production of green hydrogen.
8. Why is Hydrogen often converted into "Green Ammonia" for transport?
a) Ammonia smells better
b) Ammonia is easier and cheaper to liquefy and transport than hydrogen
c) Ammonia has more energy
d) It is required by law
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Answer: b) Ammonia is easier and cheaper to liquefy and transport than hydrogen
Hydrogen requires extremely low temperatures (-253°C) to liquefy, whereas ammonia liquefies easily, making it a better carrier for export.
9. Which industrial sector is currently the largest consumer of hydrogen in India?
a) Transport (Cars)
b) Residential Cooking
c) Petroleum Refineries and Fertilizer Plants
d) Textile Industry
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Answer: c) Petroleum Refineries and Fertilizer Plants
Hydrogen is used for desulfurization in refineries and for producing ammonia (urea) in the fertilizer sector.
10. What is "Green Steel"?
a) Steel painted green
b) Steel produced using Green Hydrogen instead of Coking Coal
c) Recycled steel
d) Biodegradable steel
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Answer: b) Steel produced using Green Hydrogen instead of Coking Coal
Replacing coal with green hydrogen in the iron reduction process significantly lowers the carbon footprint of steel manufacturing.
11. FCEV stands for:
a) Fast Charging Electric Vehicle
b) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
c) Future Clean Energy Vehicle
d) Fossil Combustion Engine Vehicle
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Answer: b) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric motor. Unlike battery EVs, they have shorter refueling times and longer range.
12. What is the major challenge in storing Hydrogen gas?
a) It is too heavy
b) It has low energy density by volume and requires high pressure
c) It turns into ice
d) It is toxic
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Answer: b) It has low energy density by volume and requires high pressure
While it has high energy by weight, hydrogen takes up a lot of space, requiring 700 bar pressure tanks or cryogenic storage.
13. Hydrogen is the lightest element in the periodic table. What is its atomic number?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 8
d) 12
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Answer: a) 1
Hydrogen (H) is the first and simplest element, consisting of just one proton and one electron.
14. "Blending" of hydrogen refers to:
a) Mixing hydrogen with water
b) Mixing green hydrogen with natural gas in pipelines
c) Mixing hydrogen with petrol
d) Creating hydrogen ice
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Answer: b) Mixing green hydrogen with natural gas in pipelines
Injecting a percentage of hydrogen into existing gas grids (CNG/PNG) helps reduce the overall carbon intensity of the fuel supply.
15. Which region aims to become the world's first "Hydrogen Valley"?
a) Silicon Valley
b) Northern Netherlands
c) Dubai
d) Tokyo
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Answer: b) Northern Netherlands
A "Hydrogen Valley" is a geographical area where hydrogen applications (production, storage, transport, usage) are integrated into a functional ecosystem.
16. What is the approximate energy content of Hydrogen compared to Gasoline (Petrol) by weight?
a) Half
b) The same
c) Three times higher
d) Ten times lower
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Answer: c) Three times higher
Hydrogen has the highest specific energy density of any common fuel by weight (120 MJ/kg vs 44 MJ/kg for petrol), making it efficient.
17. "Pink Hydrogen" is produced using which energy source?
a) Wind
b) Coal
c) Nuclear Energy
d) Biomass
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Answer: c) Nuclear Energy
Color codes define the energy source. Pink hydrogen comes from electrolysis powered by nuclear energy (carbon-free but not "renewable").
18. What is the main barrier to the widespread adoption of Green Hydrogen today?
a) Lack of water
b) High cost of production compared to fossil fuels
c) It doesn't burn
d) It is too heavy to transport
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Answer: b) High cost of production compared to fossil fuels
Green hydrogen is currently expensive due to the high cost of electrolyzers and renewable electricity, though costs are falling.
19. The "Toyota Mirai" is a famous example of:
a) An Electric Scooter
b) A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
c) A Diesel Truck
d) A Solar Plane
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Answer: b) A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
"Mirai" means "Future" in Japanese. It is one of the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the world.
20. What is "Brown Hydrogen"?
a) Hydrogen from solar
b) Hydrogen produced from Coal Gasification
c) Hydrogen mixed with mud
d) Hydrogen from biomass
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Answer: b) Hydrogen produced from Coal Gasification
It is the most polluting form of hydrogen production, releasing large amounts of CO2 and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
21. In a PEM Electrolyzer, what does "PEM" stand for?
a) Primary Energy Module
b) Proton Exchange Membrane
c) Positive Electron Motion
d) Power Efficiency Mode
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Answer: b) Proton Exchange Membrane
PEM electrolyzers are compact and handle the fluctuating power input from renewables (solar/wind) better than alkaline ones.
22. Hydrogen is highly flammable. What color is a hydrogen flame?
a) Bright Red
b) Blue
c) Nearly Invisible (Pale Blue)
d) Green
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Answer: c) Nearly Invisible (Pale Blue)
Hydrogen flames emit very little radiant heat and are hard to see in daylight, necessitating special flame detectors for safety.
23. Which entity implements the National Green Hydrogen Mission in India?
a) Ministry of Power
b) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
c) NITI Aayog
d) ISRO
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Answer: b) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
MNRE is the nodal ministry responsible for formulating policies and implementing the mission's objectives.
24. Approximately how much water is required to produce 1 kg of Green Hydrogen?
a) 1 liter
b) 9 liters (approx)
c) 50 liters
d) 100 liters
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Answer: b) 9 liters (approx)
Stoichiometrically, it takes 9 kg of water to produce 1 kg of hydrogen, though practical systems use more for cooling/purification.
25. "Green Methanol" is produced by combining Green Hydrogen with:
a) Oxygen
b) Captured Biogenic CO2
c) Nitrogen
d) Methane
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Conclusion
Now that you understand what green hydrogen is, its benefits, production, uses, government schemes, and challenges, it can revolutionize the energy scenario of India and the world. You, an aware citizen, a competitive businessman, or an interested student, can join this clean energy revolution. Let's move together towards a clean, green, and technologically strong future.
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