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

Author

Listed:
  • Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife

    (School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Caleb Kwasi Darko

    (Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Department, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Precious Chineze Obiako

    (Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife & Caleb Kwasi Darko & Precious Chineze Obiako & Boyu Kuang & Xiaoxiao Sun & Karl Jenkins, 2023. "A Comparative Analysis of Different Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Environmental Impact," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-37, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:5:y:2023:i:4:p:67-1380:d:1290723
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pinglin He & Lu Chen & Xiaonan Zou & Shufeng Li & Huayu Shen & Jianhui Jian, 2019. "Energy Taxes, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption and Economic Consequences: A Comparative Study of Nordic and G7 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Li, Guoxuan & Cui, Peizhe & Wang, Yinglong & Liu, Zhiqiang & Zhu, Zhaoyou & Yang, Sheng, 2020. "Life cycle energy consumption and GHG emissions of biomass-to-hydrogen process in comparison with coal-to-hydrogen process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    3. Yue, Meiling & Lambert, Hugo & Pahon, Elodie & Roche, Robin & Jemei, Samir & Hissel, Daniel, 2021. "Hydrogen energy systems: A critical review of technologies, applications, trends and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
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    1. Askarova, Aysylu & Alekhina, Tatiana & Popov, Evgeny & Afanasev, Pavel & Mukhametdinova, Aliya & Smirnov, Alexey & Cheremisin, Alexey & Mukhina, Elena, 2025. "Innovative technology for underground clean in situ hydrogen generation: Experimental and numerical insights for sustainable energy transition," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    2. Yunji Kim & Inhong Min & Jieun Lee & Heena Yang, 2024. "An Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Electrolysis for Certifying Clean Hydrogen," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Annis Radhiah Azzarina Azhari & Putry Balqis Batrisyia Shukry & Kasih Sofea Zamrus & Mohd Haris Abdul Rani, 2024. "Legislating Sustainability for Renewable Energy in Malaysia and Iceland," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(12), pages 4587-4597, December.
    4. Hamad Ahmed Al-Ali & Koji Tokimatsu, 2025. "Evaluating Freshwater, Desalinated Water, and Treated Brine as Water Feed for Hydrogen Production in Arid Regions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-33, August.
    5. Hüseyin Güleroğlu & Zehra Yumurtacı, 2025. "Life Cycle Assessment of Green Methanol Production Based on Multi-Seasonal Modeling of Hybrid Renewable Energy and Storage Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-29, January.
    6. Goncalo Rego & Joao Rocha & Jose A. Faria & Joao L. Afonso & Vitor Monteiro, 2024. "A Review of Hydrogen Production Methods and Power Electronics Converter Topologies for Green Hydrogen Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-22, November.
    7. Zhang, Peng & Chen, Qi & Chen, Hao & Geng, Limin & Wu, Han & Chen, Zhanming & Cao, Jianming & Qi, Donghui & Ma, Yanlei, 2025. "A new transportation energy review: methanol catalytic synthesis from CO2 green hydrogenation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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