The Development of a Green Hydrogen Economy: Review

Abstract

Building a hydrogen economy is perceived as a way to achieve the decarbonization goals set out in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming, as well as to meet the goals resulting from the European Green Deal for the decarbonization of Europe. This article presents a literature review of various aspects of this economy. The full added value chain of hydrogen was analyzed, from its production through to storage, transport, distribution and use in various economic sectors. The current state of knowledge about hydrogen is presented, with particular emphasis on its features that may determine the positives and negatives of its development. It was noted that although hydrogen has been known for many years, its production methods are mainly related to fossil fuels, which result in greenhouse gas emissions. The area of interest of modern science is limited to green hydrogen, produced as a result of electrolysis from electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The development of a clean hydrogen economy is limited by many factors, the most important of which are the excessive costs of producing clean hydrogen. Research and development on all elements of the hydrogen production and use chain is necessary to contribute to increasing the scale of production and use of this raw material and thus reducing costs as a result of the efficiencies of scale and experience gained. The development of the hydrogen economy will be related to the development of the hydrogen trade, and the centers of this trade will differ significantly from the current centers of energy carrier trade.