Recent advancements in green hydrogen production and storage

Abstract

Green hydrogen is increasingly becoming a key component in the global shift towards the use of clean energy resources. It can enhance the power generation, transportation, and hard-to-abate industrial sectors by making them less carbon-intensive. Hydrogen is primarily obtained from water and biomass through various processes that utilize renewable energy sources. This method aligns with international climate goals and surpasses traditional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels. Thus, the review examines recent advances in green hydrogen production and storage technologies, emphasizing their technical readiness, efficiency, and the barriers to large-scale deployment. The primary types of electrolysis, such as alkaline electrolysis, proton exchange membrane electrolysis, and solid oxide electrolysis cells, have been systematically analyzed and discussed based on their operating principles, energy efficiency, scalability, and durability. In addition to this, the central challenges of high capital expenditure, degradation of the catalyst, and its compatibility in the existing energy system have also been investigated. Hydrogen storage, as well as the methods of its production, is an important aspect of its use in various energy sectors. This review also examines both chemical carriers (metal hydrides, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and ammonia-based systems) and the established physical techniques (liquefaction and compression), along with the possibility of developing nanostructured materials to increase the storage density and kinetics of the system. Finally, the current issues, opportunities, and possible future research paths have been discussed.