Continuity of development in any state can be maintained only when it has sufficient energy resources and also thinks seriously about the future energy source. This is even more important for a big state like Uttar Pradesh, because rapid industrialization is taking place here and which has environmental impacts. Here, solar energy, biomass etc. are the major bases of natural energy development, but as per its visionary thinking, the government has taken a step towards green hydrogen for future energy, in which lies the huge potential of future clean energy economy. Uttar Pradesh’s partnership with Japan’s Yamanashi province is a big step in this direction. Yamanashi has expertise in the field of green hydrogen and clean energy and there is no doubt that his experience will bring new energy possibilities to India.
Yamanashi to Uttar Pradesh The 200-member delegation that visited has given a new dimension to the partnership between these two provinces. With Uttar Pradesh’s vast industrial base, growing energy needs and large market, Yamanashi’s hydrogen technology, research capabilities and green energy experience can become the foundation of a new development model. This will open new avenues from decarbonization of industries to clean transportation, green hydrogen, energy storage and employment generation. This partnership is also important because it shows the direction of making development and environment complementary to each other instead of considering them as opponents of each other. Uttar Pradesh is moving forward with the ambitious goal of becoming a one trillion dollar economy. Green hydrogen can play an important role in achieving this.
Practical solution to the challenge of renewable energy storage
The main reason why Yamanashi province has progressed in the field of clean energy is that it has not allowed its natural energy to go to waste. During the day, when solar panels generate more electricity than required, this excess energy usually either goes waste or puts a strain on the grid. Yamanashi found the answer to this problem in Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology and created green hydrogen by splitting water with excess electricity. It is safely stored in tanks.
There is zero carbon emission in this entire process. This hydrogen is later used for thermal energy needs of factories, fuel for buses and vehicles and local heating systems. This hydrogen is important for Uttar Pradesh because of zero carbon emissions. It also has a practical solution to the biggest challenge of renewable energy, storage. The production of solar and wind energy in Uttar Pradesh is uneven, but by storing it in the form of hydrogen, we can use it at the time of need.
Namrata Narayan (Entrepreneur) Managing Director, Maitreyi Micro Products, Noida
Synergy between UP’s hydrogen policy and Yamanashi’s technology
Under the Green Hydrogen Policy, the Uttar Pradesh government has set a target of producing 10 lakh metric tons annually by 2028. There appears to be a natural synergy between the Green Hydrogen policy of the Yogi government and Yamanashi’s P2G technology. There is huge solar energy potential in areas like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, which has not been fully exploited yet. If the surplus solar energy generated during the day in these areas is converted into hydrogen, then the state can keep its electricity grid balanced.
This step will not only make the state self-reliant in terms of energy, but will also establish it as the ‘Green Energy Hub’ of the country. If regions like Bundelkhand become centers of hydrogen economy, it will also help in removing regional imbalance. Energy production and storage facilities can give new impetus to employment and industrial activities at the local level.
Japanese investment and new industrial corridors
Along with technology, flow of capital is also strengthening this partnership. The plan to construct Japanese City and Industrial Park in the Yamuna Expressway area is proof of this. Japanese companies are already investing heavily in manufacturing and green mobility sectors. When global companies set up production units in a region, they also bring with them a full range of trained human resources, quality standards and technology transfer. This point is also important in the context of Uttar Pradesh.
Confluence of youth demographics and skills
This relationship between Uttar Pradesh and Japan is based on bilateral cooperation. Uttar Pradesh has resources, markets and above all, a huge youth power. Yamanashi has the technology, experience and global expertise. Yogi government is writing a new chapter of development in Uttar Pradesh with the combination of these two forces. When these two forces come together, the result is not limited to improvements in the energy sector.
This becomes a comprehensive transformation that simultaneously creates employment, industrial development, environmental protection and strengthens international relations. Under the agreements signed between Yamanashi and Uttar Pradesh, there is also talk of high-level training in areas like hydrogen technology, robotics and advanced manufacturing to the students of technical institutes of the state. This initiative should also be made a part of the statewide skill development mission. This is also a golden opportunity for the state to convert brain-drain into brain-gain.
E-Mobility: Clean Cities, Clean Future
Cities like Noida in Uttar Pradesh have been struggling with the serious problem of air pollution. Decarbonizing public transportation is the most effective way to address this challenge. The use of Japanese technology in the field of buses and EV charging infrastructure can play an important role in cleaning the air of these cities. This change is necessary not only from the environmental point of view but also from the public health point of view. Better air quality has a direct impact on the standard of living and productivity of the citizens, which ultimately also contributes to the overall economic progress of the state. (The author’s views are his own.)
