Guidelines have been issued by the government on the use of green hydrogen

Current Context: The Government of India has issued guidelines for pilot projects for using green hydrogen in the shipping sector.

• The guidelines, named “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector”, were issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 1st February, 2024, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• The pilot projects aim to replace fossil fuels and fossil fuel-based feedstock with Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Two areas have been identified as thrust areas under the pilot projects:
• Retrofitting of existing ships so as to enable them to run on Green Hydrogen or its derivatives.
• Development of bunkering and refuelling facilities in ports on international shipping lanes for fuels based on Green Hydrogen.
• The Scheme will be implemented with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 115 crores till the financial year 2025-26.
• The Scheme aims to leverage existing resources and infrastructure available with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and its agencies for transport, storage and use of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in the shipping sector.

Question:

Q.1 Which of the following areas have been identified as thrust areas under the pilot projects?
a. Retrofitting of existing ships to run on Green Hydrogen or its derivatives
b. Development of bunkering and refuelling facilities in ports for fuels based on Green Hydrogen
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above