Comparing prospective hydrogen pathways with conventional fuels and grid electricity in India through well-to-tank assessment

The present study uses Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies Model (GREET), to compare hydrogen generated via multiple pathways (Natural gas, methanol reforming; coal, petcoke, biomass gasification etc) with the conventional fuels like diesel and compressed natural gas and grid electricity under Indian context through a comprehensive well to tank assessment based on net CO₂ equivalent emission and energy consumption. Limited availability of customized studies comparing hydrogen production and supply with other energy options in India distinguishes the present work as it provides a fresh insight into potential pathways for hydrogen production while assessing feedstock availability and raw water consumption. The study reveals that biomass gasification and solar electrolysis are among the least GHG emitting pathways to fill one unit of energy equivalent in the tank. Hydrogen produced through natural gas reforming is 70% less emission intensive and 38% more energy efficient than Indian grid electricity.