A Concise Review of Hydrogen Production from Renewable Energy Sources with Focus on Solar, Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, and Biomass

Abstract

Hydrogen production from renewable energy sources has gained significant attention as a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based methods. The present review presents a concise analysis of hydrogen production technologies from solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and biomass sources. Also, it discusses the principles and methods of hydrogen production, including electrolysis, thermochemical processes, and biomass gasification. It then delves into the specific characteristics and advancements in each renewable energy source for hydrogen production. Solar energy, a widely available and abundant resource, has led the integration of advanced materials, efficient electrolyzers, and solar concentrators to significant improvements in solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. Wind energy, with its scalability and reliability, enhances advances in wind turbine technology, grid integration, and energy storage solutions to the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of wind-to-hydrogen systems. The review examines the challenges and opportunities in harnessing tidal power, including technological advancements in tidal turbines, resource assessment, and environmental considerations. The review also explores the geothermal-to-hydrogen potential, geothermal resource mapping, and innovative technologies for geothermal-based hydrogen production. The review discusses the role of biomass in the biohydrogen sector, biomass feedstock options, and advancements in biomass-to-hydrogen conversion technologies. Furthermore, the review paper discusses the research gaps, challenges, and prospects in hydrogen production from renewable energy sources.