Fuelling the future: A review of non-renewable hydrogen production and storage techniques

The emergence of hydrogen technology is driven by climate change concerns and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. This study examines different approaches to hydrogen production from non-renewable sources, considering storage capabilities, environmental impacts, cost, and efficiency. Conventional methods are evaluated, with nuclear-based production identified as an optimal and eco-friendly option, depending on the type of nuclear reactors used. It offers clean and sustainable hydrogen production while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, it incurs higher costs and carries the risk of nuclear accidents. Coal gasification provides a flexible and efficient means of hydrogen production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Partial oxidation ensures high-quality hydrogen but requires high temperature and pressure. Plasma reforming is highly efficient but expensive due to the specialised equipment. Steam reforming is widely used and affordable but raises environmental concerns. Each method has advantages and trade-offs, shaping the hydrogen production landscape. Despite the dominance of conventional methods, which cost between 1 and 10 dollars per kilogram of hydrogen and achieve efficiency levels of 50%–85%, extensive research explores hydrogen generation from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Efforts continue to select the appropriate method and improve efficiency for the future establishment of a large-scale clean hydrogen economy. •Comparative impact assessments of possible non-renewable hydrogen production methods are presented.•Fossil fuel and nuclear-based hydrogen production methods are investigated.•The quantification and comparison of hydrogen storage systems are assessed.•Environmental impacts and applications of hydrogen are quantified and compared.