Gangtok, Sept 20:Â Sikkim is embarking on a journey toward becoming a pioneer in green hydrogen technology. This scenic region is partnering with the Korea Research Institute of Human Settlement (KRIHS) and the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to explore the development of a hydrogen smart city.
As urbanization rapidly unfolds, the state government is keen on transforming the Greater Gangtok area into a pilot green hydrogen smart city. At a recent conference on the Hydrogen Smart City Network in Delhi, Karma R Bonpo, Secretary in the Commerce and Industries Department of the Government of Sikkim, urged a South Korean delegation to assess Sikkim’s potential for green hydrogen production, given its hydropower capacity of 8,000 MW.
Sikkim’s plea holds significance on multiple fronts. Despite being less affected by climate change than other Himalayan states, such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim faces its share of challenges, including retreating glaciers, shifting precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, habitat disruptions, water scarcity, agricultural impacts, soil erosion, landslides, biodiversity loss, health effects, and tourism sector vulnerabilities. By embracing green hydrogen cities, Sikkim aims to craft a blueprint for its own future urban centers, which could serve as models for other hill cities in the region.
Preserving Tourism and Pursuing Green Hydrogen
To safeguard its vital tourism sector, Sikkim is leveraging its strengths—hydropower generation for green hydrogen production. This approach fosters self-reliance, making it an attractive proposition. But why would a Korean agency be interested? South Korea has mastered various hydrogen production technologies but lacks sufficient wind, solar, or hydropower to ensure its hydrogen production remains environmentally friendly. India, blessed with abundant renewable energy sources, becomes an ideal partner to scale up green hydrogen and its derivatives. Sikkim’s proactive approach positions it as an early beneficiary of Korean expertise and funding.
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A Solution for Hill Cities
Sikkim, with its relatively small population, stands a better chance of finding workable solutions for Himalayan city challenges. It has the potential to become a prototype for other cities in the region. By embracing the green hydrogen movement, Sikkim’s model could be replicated across Himalayan cities facing existential crises. Furthermore, with its hydropower potential, Sikkim may emerge as the green hydrogen hub for the entire northeastern region.
Addressing Remote Terrain Challenges
Sikkim faces challenges similar to those of Ladakh, including remote terrain and limited access. Given these constraints, it makes economic and operational sense to establish green hydrogen hubs in remote villages near the borders rather than create distribution and transmission lines for traditional power.
Aligned with G20 Initiatives
Karma R Bonpo emphasized that Sikkim aligns its efforts with the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, focusing on clean, sustainable, just, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions. The G20 has committed to supporting the acceleration of hydrogen production from zero and low-emission technologies, along with its derivatives like ammonia. India, under the aegis of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), is spearheading the establishment of the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre. Similarly, Sikkim is taking the lead among India’s hill states.
Sikkim’s forward-looking approach ensures it benefits from these global alliances. The state anticipates that by 2047, at least 50 percent of its population will reside in urban centers. To accommodate this growth, Sikkim is planning for green industries to provide employment in these centers. The state is also assessing the employment potential and imparting skills training to future urban citizens, a crucial step in estimating the resources required for sustainable development, including water, power, housing, and basic amenities.
