Correct Option (C)
Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, is a key component in global decarbonization strategies, particularly for heavy industries. It is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing all three industries mentioned:
- Fertilizer Plants: The production of ammonia (NH₃), a primary ingredient in nitrogen-based fertilizers, traditionally relies on hydrogen sourced from natural gas (grey hydrogen). Substituting this with green hydrogen can substantially reduce the carbon emissions associated with fertilizer manufacturing.
- Oil Refineries: Hydrogen is utilized in several critical refinery operations, including hydrocracking and hydrodesulfurization. Replacing the currently used fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen with green hydrogen can lower the overall carbon intensity of refined petroleum products.
- Steel Plants: In conventional steelmaking, coke derived from coal acts as a reducing agent in blast furnaces. Green hydrogen can replace coke as a reducing agent in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes, facilitating the production of low-carbon or 'green' steel.
Incorrect Options
Options (A) Only one, (B) Only two, and (D) None are incorrect. Green hydrogen is a viable and actively pursued solution for decarbonizing all three heavy industries listed: fertilizer plants, oil refineries, and steel plants, due to its versatility in replacing fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen or reducing agents.