Government Announces Standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol
Context:
In a significant move to advance the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Government of India notified the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards.
Issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), these standards outline the specific emission thresholds and eligibility conditions required for these derivatives to be officially classified as 'Green'
Emission Thresholds and Standards:
To be classified as 'Green', these fuels must be produced using Green Hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources.
The standards establish strict lifecycle emission caps:
Green Ammonia Standard:
The total non-biogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must not exceed 0.38 kg CO 2 equivalent per kg of ammonia (kg CO 2eq/kg NH 3).
This threshold covers the emissions arising from Green Hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis, purification, compression, and on-site storage.
The emissions are calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period.
Green Methanol Standard:
The total non-biogenic GHG emissions must not exceed 0.44 kg CO 2 equivalent per kg of methanol (kg CO 2eq/kg CH 3OH).
This includes emissions from Green Hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, purification, and on-site storage, similarly calculated as a 12-month average.
Significance:
The notification consolidates the regulatory framework under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
This brings the much-needed clarity to the industry, investors, and other stakeholders engaged in developing green derivatives.
The standards will facilitate the decarbonisation of critical, hard-to-abate sectors such as fertilizers, shipping, power, and heavy industry.
Furthermore, it strengthens India's position as a reliable global producer, aiding Indian developers who are actively targeting export markets for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol.
A detailed methodology for the measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of these green fuels will be issued separately by the MNRE.
Existing Tenders:
Any tender, bid process, or solicitation issued prior to the notification date may continue under its original terms, though procuring entities can align them with the new provisions through mutual consent.