The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on June 18, 2026, issued the guidelines for Quantifying Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Offsite Water Drawal and Treatment, Ensuring Compliance with the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) and Achieving Alignment with ISO 19870:2023.
The following has been stated:
• The guidelines establish a uniform methodology for calculating emissions associated with water treatment, desalination, pumping, and transportation occurring outside the green hydrogen production facility. While direct withdrawal of water from natural sources is excluded, emissions arising from off-site processing and delivery of water to the plant shall be included in the overall carbon intensity of green hydrogen production.
• The guidelines require green hydrogen producers to monitor and record electricity consumption, water volumes, treatment chemicals, and source-wise water usage, supported by calibrated meters and documented records. Where actual data is unavailable, default emission factors may be used for municipal water, groundwater, desalinated water, and recycled water supplies.
• To ensure transparency and accountability, producers shall maintain records for at least five evaluation cycles, conduct annual calibration of metering equipment, and reconcile water consumption data regularly. New facilities are required to establish monitoring systems within 90 days of commissioning, while existing facilities have a 180-day transition period to comply.
• In cases of meter failure or non-availability of reliable data, the highest applicable benchmark emission factor shall be adopted until corrective measures are implemented. The guidelines also contain force majeure provisions allowing temporary alternative arrangements in case of disruptions to the water supply, subject to notification and verification.
[Notification no. - 353/69/2024-NT]
