A Comparative Analysis of Different Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Environmental Impact

Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife, Caleb Kwasi Darko, Precious Chineze Obiako, Boyu Kuang (), Xiaoxiao Sun and Karl Jenkins
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Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife: School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Caleb Kwasi Darko: Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
Precious Chineze Obiako: Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
Boyu Kuang: Centre for Computational Engineering Sciences (CES), School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing (SATM), Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Xiaoxiao Sun: Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing (SATM), Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Karl Jenkins: Centre for Computational Engineering Sciences (CES), School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing (SATM), Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK

Clean Technol., 2023, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-37

Abstract: This study emphasises the growing relevance of hydrogen as a green energy source in meeting the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. It foregrounds the importance of assessing the environmental consequences of hydrogen-generating processes for their long-term viability. The article compares several hydrogen production processes in terms of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and technical improvements. It also investigates the environmental effects of each approach, considering crucial elements such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, land needs, and waste creation. Different industrial techniques have distinct environmental consequences. While steam methane reforming is cost-effective and has a high production capacity, it is coupled with large carbon emissions. Electrolysis, a technology that uses renewable resources, is appealing but requires a lot of energy. Thermochemical and biomass gasification processes show promise for long-term hydrogen generation, but further technological advancement is required. The research investigates techniques for improving the environmental friendliness of hydrogen generation through the use of renewable energy sources. Its ultimate purpose is to offer readers a thorough awareness of the environmental effects of various hydrogen generation strategies, allowing them to make educated judgements about ecologically friendly ways. It can ease the transition to a cleaner hydrogen-powered economy by considering both technological feasibility and environmental issues, enabling a more ecologically conscious and climate-friendly energy landscape.

Keywords: hydrogen; environment; greenhouse gases; carbon emission; electrolysis; electrolyser (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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