MNRE Sets Green Ammonia, Green Methanol Standards Under National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified India’s Green Ammonia and Green Methanol standards, laying down emission limits and certification norms for low-carbon fuels produced using green hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

According to the notifications, 'Green Ammonia' will mean ammonia (NH₃) produced exclusively using Green Hydrogen, while 'Green Methanol'  will refer to methanol (CH₃OH) manufactured using Green Hydrogen. Renewable electricity used in production may include power stored in energy storage systems or banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations.

For Green Ammonia, the ministry has fixed a maximum limit of 0.38 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kg of ammonia (kg CO₂ eq/kg NH₃) for total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis, purification, compression and on-site storage, calculated as an average over a 12-month period.

For Green Methanol, total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions from green hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, purification and on-site storage must not exceed 0.44 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kg of methanol (kg CO₂ eq/kg CH₃OH), calculated as an average over the preceding 12 months.

The notification on Green Methanol further states that carbon dioxide used in synthesis may be sourced from biogenic sources, Direct Air Capture (DAC), or existing industrial sources. MNRE, however, retains the authority to revise eligible carbon dioxide sources from time to time, with any such changes to apply prospectively along with appropriate grandfathering provisions.

MNRE said that it will separately notify a detailed methodology for both fuels covering procedures for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification and certification.

The standards also clarify that the definition of Green Hydrogen will remain aligned with the Green Hydrogen Standard issued earlier by MNRE in August 2023 and amended from time to time.

For tenders, bids or solicitations issued prior to the date of these notifications, existing contractual terms will continue to apply. However, procuring agencies may, where feasible and with mutual consent of the concerned parties, align such tenders with the new Green Ammonia and Green Methanol standards.

The twin standards are expected to provide regulatory clarity for upcoming projects in green ammonia and green methanol, which are seen as crucial for decarbonising fertiliser production, enabling clean marine fuels, and supporting low-carbon industrial feedstock and transport fuels in India.

The move forms part of the government’s broader strategy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives.