Chapter 1 - Introduction to green hydrogen and biohydrogen production

Abstract
The urgency for sustainable energy options has put hydrogen in the limelight of world energy discussions. Because of the demands by urbanization and population growth for energy, it is paramount to switch to hydrogen as a clean carrier of energy. This chapter commences by expounding on the relevant concepts relating to the generation of green and bio-hydrogen, with respective regard for its potential in addressing environmental issues associated with the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. We discuss the production methods, especially electrolysis of water using renewable sources and biological processes that use organic waste, generating hydrogen with very minimal emissions. It includes advancements in technologies for hydrogen production, such as improvements in catalysts and electrolysis systems. It touches on the technical and economic feasibility, as well as the infrastructure requirements that may lead to a well-functioning hydrogen economy. Therefore, hydrogen is used to do away with carbon emissions in difficult sectors of transport and heavy industry while also providing a reliable, dynamic storage option. Besides the high cost of production and infrastructural problems, there is another set of challenges, namely those to do with public perception. We attempt to draw into focus the encouraging of legislation and international cooperation in parallel as a means of surmounting these barriers and stirring interest in hydrogen. The current chapter introduces and sets the stage for further in-depth presentations regarding hydrogen technologies and applications, and their role in a sustainable energy transition.

Author
Hamed Rahimi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-43970-4.00012-6

ISSN
978-0-443-43970-4

Publish Date: 3-Mar-2026