Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks

Dıckson Davıd Olodu; Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen; Andrew Erameh

doi:10.63063/jsat.1611951

EN TR

Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks

Abstract

Abstract: Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is a critical pathway to decarbonizing energy systems. This study compares key electrolysis technologies, including Alkaline (AE), Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Solid Oxide (SOE), and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) systems. SOE demonstrates the highest efficiency ranging from 80% to 90% which operates at elevated temperatures ranging from 700°C to 900°C, and has higher capital costs per Kilowatt which ranged from $2,000 to $3,000 per kW. PEM offers rapid response times ranging from 10 s to 30s and high hydrogen purity of 99.99% but suffers from shorter lifespans ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 hours. Material advancements, such as Nafion™ membranes and Iridium Oxide catalysts, enhance efficiency by up to 10%. Hydrogen storage methods reveal compressed hydrogen as suitable for short-term applications, while ammonia carriers and LOHC excel in long-term storage due to their safety and cost efficiency. Distribution technologies vary, with pipelines having cost-effective of $0.05/kg H₂/km over long distances, while trucks offer flexibility for shorter ranges. Environmental analysis highlights the carbon intensity disparity, with green hydrogen emitting 0 to 0.5 kg CO₂/kg H₂ compared to grey hydrogen’s which emits 10 to 12 kg CO₂/kg H₂. Lifecycle water consumption ranges from 7 to 12 L/kg H₂, with SOE being the most water-efficient. Global hydrogen projects, such as Saudi Arabia's NEOM with 650,000 tons per year and Europe’s HyDeal Ambition with 1,500,000 tons per year, illustrate the large-scale adoption of hydrogen technologies. Policy frameworks, including the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the USA Clean Hydrogen Plan, emphasize subsidies and infrastructure investments. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of green hydrogen, provided technological, environmental, and policy challenges are addressed effectively.

Keywords

Green Hydrogen, Electrolysis Technologies, Hydrogen Storage, Lifecycle Analysis, Policy Frameworks, Economic Analysis.

Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks

Abstract

Abstract: Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is a critical pathway to decarbonizing energy systems. This study compares key electrolysis technologies, including Alkaline (AE), Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Solid Oxide (SOE), and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) systems. SOE demonstrates the highest efficiency ranging from 80% to 90% which operates at elevated temperatures ranging from 700°C to 900°C, and has higher capital costs per Kilowatt which ranged from $2,000 to $3,000 per kW. PEM offers rapid response times ranging from 10 s to 30s and high hydrogen purity of 99.99% but suffers from shorter lifespans ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 hours. Material advancements, such as Nafion™ membranes and Iridium Oxide catalysts, enhance efficiency by up to 10%. Hydrogen storage methods reveal compressed hydrogen as suitable for short-term applications, while ammonia carriers and LOHC excel in long-term storage due to their safety and cost efficiency. Distribution technologies vary, with pipelines having cost-effective of $0.05/kg H₂/km over long distances, while trucks offer flexibility for shorter ranges. Environmental analysis highlights the carbon intensity disparity, with green hydrogen emitting 0 to 0.5 kg CO₂/kg H₂ compared to grey hydrogen’s which emits 10 to 12 kg CO₂/kg H₂. Lifecycle water consumption ranges from 7 to 12 L/kg H₂, with SOE being the most water-efficient. Global hydrogen projects, such as Saudi Arabia's NEOM with 650,000 tons per year and Europe’s HyDeal Ambition with 1,500,000 tons per year, illustrate the large-scale adoption of hydrogen technologies. Policy frameworks, including the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the USA Clean Hydrogen Plan, emphasize subsidies and infrastructure investments. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of green hydrogen, provided technological, environmental, and policy challenges are addressed effectively.

Keywords

Green Hydrogen, Electrolysis Technologies, Hydrogen Storage, Lifecycle Analysis, Policy Frameworks, Economic Analysis.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Materials Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Dıckson Davıd Olodu ^*
0000-0003-3383-2543
Nigeria

Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen
0000-0003-4499-7845
Nigeria

Andrew Erameh
0000-0002-6463-143X
Nigeria

Early Pub Date

June 30, 2025

Publication Date

June 30, 2025

Submission Date

January 2, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 9, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 3 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.63063/jsat.1611951

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA42TH92RW

APA

Olodu, D. D., Ihenyen, O. I., & Erameh, A. (2025). Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies, 3(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.63063/jsat.1611951

AMA

1.Olodu DD, Ihenyen OI, Erameh A. Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks. JSAT. 2025;3(1):1-12. doi:10.63063/jsat.1611951

Chicago

Olodu, Dıckson Davıd, Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen, and Andrew Erameh. 2025. “Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks”. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies 3 (1): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.63063/jsat.1611951.

EndNote

Olodu DD, Ihenyen OI, Erameh A (June 1, 2025) Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies 3 1 1–12.

IEEE

[1]D. D. Olodu, O. I. Ihenyen, and A. Erameh, “Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks”, JSAT, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1–12, June 2025, doi: 10.63063/jsat.1611951.

ISNAD

Olodu, Dıckson Davıd - Ihenyen, Osagie Imevbore - Erameh, Andrew. “Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks”. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies 3/1 (June 1, 2025): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.63063/jsat.1611951.

JAMA

1.Olodu DD, Ihenyen OI, Erameh A. Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks. JSAT. 2025;3:1–12.

MLA

Olodu, Dıckson Davıd, et al. “Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks”. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies, vol. 3, no. 1, June 2025, pp. 1-12, doi:10.63063/jsat.1611951.

Vancouver

1.Dıckson Davıd Olodu, Osagie Imevbore Ihenyen, Andrew Erameh. Comprehensive Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production: Technologies, Costs, Environmental Impacts, and Policy Frameworks. JSAT. 2025 Jun. 1;3(1):1-12. doi:10.63063/jsat.1611951

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