Comparative evaluation of green hydrogen production methods using the Pugh matrix technique

  • Afrin orcid

    Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Middle East College, Muscat 124, Oman
  • Adeel H. Suhail orcid

    Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Middle East College, Muscat 124, Oman
  • Fiseha M. Guangul orcid

    School of Engineering, Infrastructure and Sustainability, De Montfort University, Dubai P.O. Box 501870, United Arab Emirates
  • Abdalellah Mohmmed orcid

    School of Engineering, Infrastructure and Sustainability, De Montfort University, Dubai P.O. Box 501870, United Arab Emirates
  • Abdul Nazeer orcid

    Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Middle East College, Muscat 124, Oman
Article ID: 3891
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/esc3891
Keywords: green hydrogen, Pugh matrix technique, renewable energy, fossil fuels, water splitting

Abstract

Hydrogen plays a vital role as an energy carrier in the global effort to combat climate change, with significant applications in sectors such as transportation and ammonia production. However, traditional hydrogen production methods are heavily carbon-intensive, with over 98% of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. This primarily occurs through steam methane reforming (76%) and coal gasification (22%). While steam methane reforming is cost-effective, it generates approximately 9 kg of CO₂ per kg of hydrogen. Consequently, advancing green hydrogen production methods has become a critical area of research. This study explores and compares various green hydrogen production techniques powered by renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and hybrid systems. Production methods such as electrolysis, thermal, chemical, photonic, and biological processes are evaluated using a Pugh matrix, accounting for factors including efficiency, hydrogen yield, resource availability, operating conditions, cost, and greenhouse gas emissions. The findings indicate that alkaline electrolysis currently represents the most viable option for green hydrogen production. These findings affirm alkaline electrolysis as the most appropriate near-term technology for large-scale green hydrogen implementation in Oman and the GCC, while also advocating for the ongoing development of PEM and emerging pathways to ensure long-term diversification. Ultimately, this study provides a clear and practical decision-support framework for the strategic selection of hydrogen technologies in renewable-rich arid regions.

Published
2025-12-04
How to Cite
Afrin, Suhail, A. H., Guangul, F. M., Mohmmed, A., & Nazeer, A. (2025). Comparative evaluation of green hydrogen production methods using the Pugh matrix technique. Energy Storage and Conversion, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.59400/esc3891
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025)
Section
Article

Copyright (c) 2025 Afrin, Adeel H. Suhail, Fiseha M. Guangul, Abdalellah Mohmmed, Abdul Nazeer

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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