Deep decarbonization of the Indian economy: 2050 prospects for wind, solar, and green hydrogen

The paper explores options for a 2050 carbon free energy future for India. Onshore wind and solar sources are projected as the dominant primary contributions to this objective. The analysis envisages an important role for so-called green hydrogen produced by electrolysis fueled by these carbon free energy sources. This hydrogen source can be used to accommodate for the intrinsic variability of wind and solar complementing opportunities for storage of power by batteries and pumped hydro. The green source of hydrogen can be used also to supplant current industrial uses of gray hydrogen produced in the Indian context largely from natural gas with important related emissions of CO2. The paper explores further options for use of green hydrogen to lower emissions from otherwise difficult At to abate sectors of both industry and transport. The analysis is applied to identify the least cost options to meet India's zero carbon future.

Automated summary

The paper explores various options for India to achieve a carbon-free energy future by 2050. It suggests onshore wind and solar sources as the main contributors, with green hydrogen produced through electrolysis as an important supplement. The hydrogen can help manage the variability of wind and solar power, and also replace the current industrial use of gray hydrogen that emits CO2. The paper further discusses the use of green hydrogen to reduce emissions in challenging sectors like industry and transport, and identifies the least costly options for India's zero carbon future.