The breakthrough by the Bengaluru-based researchers addresses one of the key challenges in the production of green hydrogen: the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrolysis. Until now, electrolysis, the method of splitting water to produce hydrogen, has been hampered by the high cost and limited efficiency of the catalysts used in the process. Traditional catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, are expensive and scarce, making large-scale production of green hydrogen less economically viable.
The newly developed catalyst, based on an innovative material, has the potential to drive down costs while improving efficiency. The scientists have designed a low-cost, highly effective catalyst that not only accelerates the reaction but also increases the overall energy efficiency of the electrolysis process. The material used is abundant, making it an affordable alternative to the precious metals typically used in hydrogen production.
Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, holds enormous promise for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity, providing a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, in particular, offers the added benefit of being produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, making it a truly sustainable fuel.
The development of an efficient and cost-effective catalyst is a critical step in making green hydrogen more accessible and competitive in the global energy market. The researchers at the Bengaluru institution have made substantial progress in refining the catalyst’s performance, ensuring that it can withstand the harsh conditions of electrolysis while maintaining high efficiency over extended periods of use.
With the growing interest in green hydrogen as a potential game-changer in the global energy transition, several countries and companies have already begun investing heavily in research and development in this field. Green hydrogen has been identified as a key component of strategies to decarbonise industries that are difficult to electrify, such as steel manufacturing, shipping, and aviation. Additionally, green hydrogen can also be used for energy storage, providing a solution for intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
India, with its ambitious renewable energy goals, is positioning itself as a leader in the race to produce and utilise green hydrogen. The Indian government has outlined a National Hydrogen Mission, which aims to promote the production of hydrogen from renewable sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and establish a green hydrogen economy in the coming years.
The Bengaluru team’s breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for India’s hydrogen ambitions. By significantly lowering the cost of electrolysis, the development could make India a key player in the global green hydrogen market. The country has the potential to become a major exporter of green hydrogen, which could help it achieve its clean energy goals and create new economic opportunities.
While the potential for green hydrogen is enormous, challenges remain. Large-scale production of hydrogen requires substantial investment in infrastructure, such as electrolyzers, and the widespread adoption of green hydrogen will necessitate advances in storage and transportation. However, with innovations like the Bengaluru-developed catalyst, these barriers are gradually being overcome, bringing the world closer to a clean energy future.
