The government unveiled the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards to regulate emissions and production eligibility using renewable hydrogen. Issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on February 27, the standards aim to certify ammonia and methanol production with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Green Ammonia must maintain total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions below 0.38 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of ammonia over the previous 12 months. Similarly, Green Methanol production should not exceed 0.44 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg, allowing CO₂ from biogenic sources, Direct Air Capture (DAC), or existing industrial streams.
The Ministry may update the eligible carbon dioxide sources periodically, with revisions applying prospectively and including appropriate grandfathering provisions. The standards specify that renewable energy for production can involve electricity stored in energy systems or banked with the grid. Detailed methodologies for measurement, reporting, monitoring, verification, and certification will be separately issued by MNRE.
Tenders or bids initiated before the notification may proceed under prior terms, but procuring entities have the option to align with the new standards upon mutual agreement. This move aims to provide clarity to industry and investors, facilitating the decarbonization of various sectors like fertilisers, shipping, power, and heavy industry, while enhancing India’s status as a dependable producer and exporter of green fuels.
