Analysis of the Main Hydrogen Production Technologies

Juan Taumaturgo Medina Collana (), Luis Carrasco-Venegas (), Carlos Ancieta-Dextre, Oscar Rodriguez-Taranco, Denis Gabriel-Hurtado, Jorge Montaño-Pisfil, Cesar Rodriguez-Aburto, Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez, Cesar Santos-Mejía, Pablo Morcillo-Valdivia and Nelson Herrera-Espinoza
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Juan Taumaturgo Medina Collana: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru
Luis Carrasco-Venegas: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru
Carlos Ancieta-Dextre: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru
Oscar Rodriguez-Taranco: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru
Denis Gabriel-Hurtado: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru
Jorge Montaño-Pisfil: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research Center Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Cesar Rodriguez-Aburto: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research Center Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research Center Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Cesar Santos-Mejía: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research Center Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Pablo Morcillo-Valdivia: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research Center Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Nelson Herrera-Espinoza: Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Research Center for Water Treatment Processes Engineering, National University of Callao, Juan Pablo II 306 Avenue, Bellavista 07011, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-30

Abstract: Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, has enormous potential in addressing global climate change and energy security challenges. This paper discusses different hydrogen production methodologies (steam methane reforming and water electrolysis), focusing on the electrolysis process as the most promising method for industrial-scale hydrogen generation. The review delved into three main electrolysis methods, including alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane electrolysis, and anion exchange membrane electrolysis cells. Also, the production of hydrogen as a by-product by means of membrane cells and mercury cells. The process of reforming natural gas (mainly methane) using steam is currently the predominant technique, comprising approximately 96% of the world’s hydrogen synthesis. However, it is carbon intensive and therefore not sustainable over time. Water, as a renewable resource, carbon-free and rich in hydrogen (11.11%), offers one of the best solutions to replace hydrogen production from fossil fuels by decomposing water. This article highlights the fundamental principles of electrolysis, recent membrane studies, and operating parameters for hydrogen production. The study also shows the amount of pollutant emissions (g of CO 2 /g of H 2 ) associated with a hydrogen color attribute. The integration of water electrolysis with renewable energy sources constitutes an efficient and sustainable strategy in the production of green hydrogen, minimizing environmental impact and optimizing the use of clean energy resources.

Keywords: hydrogen production technologies; sustainable hydrogen production; steam methane reforming; water electrolysis; membrane studies; greenhouse gas emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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