In the race to decarbonize global industries and meet the ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement, green hydrogen is emerging as a critical player. A recent review published in *e-Prime: Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy* offers a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution. Led by Driss Belkhiri of the University of Ibn Zohr in Morocco, the study highlights both the opportunities and challenges in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and application, with a forward-looking perspective extending to 2050.
The urgency to transition to renewable energy sources is underscored by the climate crisis and the need to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, is increasingly seen as a key solution. “Green hydrogen is becoming a key solution in the transition to renewable energy and the decarbonization with low-carbon energy options,” notes Belkhiri, emphasizing its role in utility-scale electricity generation, heating, and niche markets.
However, the path to widespread hydrogen adoption is fraught with challenges. Limited infrastructure, high production costs, and significant energy demands are among the primary hurdles. The study identifies these barriers and explores the drivers that could accelerate hydrogen deployment, such as strategic investments and supportive policy frameworks. “Transformative innovation in power generation, transportation, industrial processes, and infrastructure will be essential to achieving deep decarbonization,” Belkhiri asserts.
The review also highlights the importance of digitalization, automation, and data-driven decision-making in advancing hydrogen technologies. These innovations, coupled with recycling incentives and circular economies, could drive a social transformation toward sustainability. Emerging hydrogen markets, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are poised to play a significant role in this transition, offering new opportunities for economic and human development.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. Hydrogen could revolutionize industrial processes, providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels in sectors such as steel and cement production. It could also play a crucial role in energy storage, balancing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. “Progress in these areas is essential to a global transition toward sustainability,” Belkhiri explains, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts across governments, industries, and research institutions.
As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, hydrogen is set to become a cornerstone of the energy landscape. The insights from this review could shape future developments, guiding investments and policies to overcome the challenges and unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution. With strategic actions and innovation, the vision of a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future by 2050 is within reach.