Standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol | 10 Mar 2026

Source:TH 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy notified the specific emission standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol to accelerate the trade of green hydrogen derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). 

• NGHM: Approved in  2023, it aims to position India as a global hub for clean hydrogen. By 2030, it targets 125 GW renewable capacity for hydrogen production, Rs 8 lakh crore investments, 6 lakh jobs, reduction of Rs 1 lakh crore fossil fuel imports, and 50 million metric tons annual emission cuts. 
• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind through electrolysis of water.  
  • As per Government of India standards, it qualifies as “green” if emissions do not exceed 2 kilograms (kg) carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced.  
  • It can also be produced from biomass (e.g., agricultural waste) if emissions remain within this limit. 
• Green Ammonia Threshold: To be officially classified as 'green', the total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions must be not more than 0.38 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of ammonia. This is calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period. 
  • Green ammonia is a carbon-neutral, renewable fuel and fertilizer feedstock produced by combining green hydrogen generated via electrolysis using wind or solar power with nitrogen.  
  • It offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based "grey" ammonia, crucial for decarbonizing industries like shipping, power generation, and agriculture. 
• Green Methanol Threshold: The emissions limit is set at not more than 0.44 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of methanol, also calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period. 
  • Green methanol is a low-carbon, renewable liquid fuel and chemical feedstock produced from biomass (bio-methanol) or green hydrogen. 
  • It acts as a sustainable, net-zero alternative to conventional fossil-based methanol, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60–95%.  
• Eligible Carbon Sources: For the production of green methanol, carbon dioxide may be sourced from biogenic sources, direct air capture, or existing industrial sources. 
• Strategic Significance: These newly defined standards will provide regulatory clarity to investors and facilitate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors such as fertilizers, shipping, power, and heavy industry.