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Transition to a Hydrogen-Based Economy: Possibilities and Challenges

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  • Rishabh Agarwal

    (Independent Researcher, 300 E Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704, USA)

Abstract

Across the globe, energy production and usage cause the greatest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are the key driver of climate change. Therefore, countries around the world are aggressively striving to convert to a clean energy regime by altering the ways and means of energy production. Hydrogen is a frontrunner in the race to net-zero carbon because it can be produced using a diversity of feedstocks, has versatile use cases, and can help ensure energy security. While most current hydrogen production is highly carbon-intensive, advances in carbon capture, renewable energy generation, and electrolysis technologies could help drive the production of low-carbon hydrogen. However, significant challenges such as the high cost of production, a relatively small market size, and inadequate infrastructure need to be addressed before the transition to a hydrogen-based economy can be made. This review presents the state of hydrogen demand, challenges in scaling up low-carbon hydrogen, possible solutions for a speedy transition, and a potential course of action for nations.

Suggested Citation

  • Rishabh Agarwal, 2022. "Transition to a Hydrogen-Based Economy: Possibilities and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15975-:d:988959
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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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    5. Tomonori Miyagawa & Mika Goto, 2022. "Hydrogen Production Cost Forecasts since the 1970s and Implications for Technological Development," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-24, June.
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    1. Thomas Adisorn & Maike Venjakob & Julia Pössinger & Sibel Raquel Ersoy & Oliver Wagner & Raphael Moser, 2023. "Implications of the Interrelations between the (Waste)Water Sector and Hydrogen Production for Arid Countries Using the Example of Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Rishabh Agarwal, 2022. "Economic Analysis of Renewable Power-to-Gas in Norway," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Tamara N. Nazina & Leyla A. Abukova & Tatiana P. Tourova & Tamara L. Babich & Salimat K. Bidzhieva & Nataliya G. Loiko & Dina S. Filippova & Elisaveta A. Safarova, 2023. "Biodiversity and Potential Activity of Microorganisms in Underground Gas Storage Horizons," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, June.

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