Hydrogen Production from Biowaste: A Systematic Review of Conversion Technologies, Environmental Impacts, and Future Perspectives

Mamo Abawalo (), Krzysztof Pikoń, Marcin Landrat and Waldemar Ścierski
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Mamo Abawalo: Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Krzysztof Pikoń: Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Marcin Landrat: Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Waldemar Ścierski: Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-42

Abstract: The escalating climate crisis and unsustainable waste management practices necessitate integrated approaches that simultaneously address energy security and environmental degradation. Hydrogen, with its high energy density and zero-carbon combustion, is a key vector for decarbonization; however, conventional production methods are fossil-dependent and carbon-intensive. This systematic review explores biowaste-to-hydrogen (WtH) technologies as dual-purpose solutions, converting organic waste to clean hydrogen while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill reliance. A comprehensive analysis of different conversion pathways, including thermochemical (gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal, and partial oxidation (POX)), biochemical (dark fermentation, photofermentation, and sequential fermentation), and electrochemical methods (MECs), is presented, assessing their hydrogen yields, feedstock compatibilities, environmental impacts, and technological readiness. Systematic literature review methods were employed using databases, such as Scopus and Web of Science, with strict inclusion criteria focused on recent peer-reviewed studies. This review highlights hydrothermal gasification and dark fermentation as particularly promising for wet biowaste streams, like food waste. Comparative environmental analyses reveal that bio-based hydrogen pathways offer significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and pollutant outputs than conventional methods. Future research directions emphasize process integration, catalyst development, and lifecycle assessment. The findings aim to inform technology selection, policymaking, and strategic investment in circular, low-carbon hydrogen production.

Keywords: biowaste; hydrogen; clean energy; thermochemical; biological fermentation; electrochemical processes; dark fermentation; photofermentation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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