The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is making strides in transporting green hydrogen through natural gas transmission lines by blending hydrogen with natural gas to integrate green energy into the nation's infrastructure.
With a considerable portion of the Natural Gas Transmission pipeline network already operational, PNGRB views this as a strategic step in bridging the gap between regions abundant in renewable energy resources and hydrogen-consuming centers such as fertilizer plants, refineries, and heavy iron and steel industries.
In a recent mega-stakeholder interaction, PNGRB convened to discuss and gather inputs on a draft report developed in collaboration with the World Bank and study partner ICF. The report, titled 'Pathways for Hydrogen Transmission in Natural Gas Pipelines and City Gas Distribution Networks,' aims to outline the feasibility and regulatory framework for integrating hydrogen into the existing infrastructure.
Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of PNGRB, emphasized the importance of hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines and city gas distribution networks, underlining PNGRB's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the infrastructure. He also mentioned PNGRB's efforts in formulating a global-level regulatory regime for the transportation of green hydrogen.
The stakeholder interaction witnessed participation from representatives of various Ministries, Statutory/Autonomous bodies, research institutions, and Oil & Gas entities. Presentations from ICF, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), GAIL (India) Limited, and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) shed light on initiatives and perspectives regarding hydrogen promotion in the country.
PNGRB's collaboration with the World Bank since August 2023 has focused on a comprehensive study, encompassing the mapping of hydrogen demand and supply, technical assessment of the existing pipeline network, commercial evaluation of the sector, and identifying policy and regulatory bottlenecks. The study aims to frame milestones until 2040 for the expeditious implementation of hydrogen blending in India.
According to the draft study report, the total Hydrogen demand in India is expected to increase from the current demand of 6–7 MMTPA to 16–18.5 MMPTA by 2040, driven mainly by sectors such as ammonia, refineries, and transport. The report also recommends blending limits for various components in the transmission pipeline and city gas distribution networks, along with projections for additional capital and operational expenditures required for equipment and fittings.
This mega-stakeholder interaction serves as a pivotal step towards achieving the Government of India's target of 5 MMTPA green hydrogen production by 2030, as part of its clean energy agenda through the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
