Volume 14, Issue 12

From Hype too Fit-For-Purpose: Assessing the Viability of Hydrogen as Clean Energy

Author

Engr. John Bender, Dr. Isaac C. Okereke, Mr. Meiko Tourista W

Abstract

Abstract:

Hydrogen is increasingly positioned as a critical energy vector for achieving global decarbonization and meeting climate neutrality targets. However, significant ambiguity exists regarding which hydrogen production pathways can deliver genuine environmental and economic benefits. This paper systematically evaluates the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, examining production methodologies, technological maturity, cost economics, and implementation challenges. Through comprehensive analysis of green, blue, and grey hydrogen pathways, this study reveals a persistent ambition-implementation gap where only 7% of global capacity announcements meet scheduled timelines (Odenweller and Ueckerdt, 2024). While green hydrogen demonstrates long-term potential, particularly for hard-to-electrify sectors, near-term viability remains constrained by high production costs ($4.4/kg currently, projected to decline to $2.4/kg by 2030), renewable energy requirements, and insufficient infrastructure development. The paper identifies critical success factors including technological advancement in electrolysis, cost reduction through economies of scale, supportive policy frameworks, and demand-side coordination. The findings suggest that hydrogen's transition from hype to practical deployment requires strategic targeting of specific applications, substantial capital investment, and realistic timeline expectations aligned with technological development cycles.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62226/ijarst20252097

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