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MNRE Releases Draft Methodology to Account for Offsite Water Emissions Under Green Hydrogen Certification

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued draft guidelines proposing a mandatory framework to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from offsite water drawal and treatment in green hydrogen production. The move is part of efforts to strengthen compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI).

Launched in April 2025, the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) lays down methodologies for measurement, reporting, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen. The newly proposed framework seeks to standardise the accounting of water-related emissions and align India’s certification system with ISO 19870:2023 standards. MNRE has invited feedback from stakeholders, including hydrogen producers and industry associations, by March 13, 2026.

Under the draft norms, emissions from direct water extraction from natural sources such as rivers, groundwater, or seawater will not be counted. However, emissions associated with offsite water treatment must be included in the total GHG intensity calculation of hydrogen production. The methodology adopts a “well-to-gate” boundary, covering emissions up to the point of hydrogen compression and on-site storage.

For producers operating dedicated offsite desalination or water treatment facilities, emissions must be calculated using primary data such as electricity consumption and chemical inputs. Facilities powered by grid electricity will apply the Central Electricity Authority’s grid emission factor along with state-specific transmission and distribution losses. Renewable energy-powered treatment plants may report zero emissions, subject to verified documentation.

Where water is sourced from public utilities, a default emission factor will apply unless the supply is certified as entirely renewable. In cases involving shared treatment facilities, emissions must be apportioned based on each producer’s share of water consumption. The framework clarifies that only incremental energy used for polishing recycled or tertiary-treated wastewater will be considered, while emissions from municipal sewage treatment processes are excluded. Projects using multiple water sources will need to maintain detailed source-wise records and compute a weighted average emission factor.

MNRE has proposed default benchmarks based on the latest Central Electricity Authority grid emission factor of 0.710 kg CO?e/kWh and transmission and distribution losses of 17.63%. The indicative values include 0.603 kg CO?e per cubic metre for municipal water supply, 3.017 kg CO?e per cubic metre for seawater desalination, and 0.388 kg CO?e per cubic metre for recycled water polishing. In the event of data gaps or metering failures, a conservative approach applying the highest benchmark value has been recommended.

Through this draft framework, MNRE aims to enhance transparency and environmental integrity in India’s emerging green hydrogen sector by ensuring comprehensive and consistent accounting of water-related emissions.