Green hydrogen policy will be unveiled in 10 days, says R K Singh
Singh noted that the policy will feature several incentives like free transmission, land allocations so as to boost the production of green hydrogen in the country…
On Thursday, Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said that a green hydrogen policy would be unveiled in the next 10 days. He informed that it will be featuring incentives like free transmission for 25 years to boost production of green hydrogen in the country.
In addition, the minister revealed that the policy would offer dollar-denominated bids, land to be allocated in renewable energy parks, as well as sites allocation for bunker near ports for ammonia or green hydrogen.
India should become the exporter of green hydrogen… Japan, as well as Germany, want to import the fuel, Singh added.
Bringing up the issue of free power supply, he said it ultimately affects the entire supply chain.
“He (politician or public representative) can give 100 units free of charge from the budget. That’s fine. He can use tax dollars to provide free power or water, but then he won’t have funds for roads and other infrastructure,” he noted.
In the minister’s opinion, states should not offer free electricity as a subsidy if they cannot afford it from their budgets.
“Several states find it difficult to pay subsidies (in the form of free electricity). Many don’t even have an account for these subsidies. Uttar Pradesh lacks an account for subsidies it is obligated to pay. The discoms do not have a mechanism to ask for a subsidy from the state government,” he noted.
During his discussion of smart meters, the minister stated the government would announce a list of approved smart meter models and manufacturers.
Smart metering is a huge opportunity, he said, and we have crores of consumers. I don’t want to purchase anything from our northern neighbour (China). If you have the capability, make it entirely here or begin manufacturing smart meters 90% to 95% here.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized the inbuilt IT capability of smart meters in light of the threat of cyberattacks.
In response to the chip shortage problem, Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar has urged India to produce more and more semiconductor chips to speed up the rollout of smart meters nationwide.
PTI
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