Comparative evaluation of green hydrogen production methods using the Pugh matrix technique
by Afrin, Adeel H. Suhail, Fiseha M. Guangul, Abdalellah Mohmmed, Abdul Nazeer
Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.4, 2025;
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.
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