Low-carbon energy transition with the sun and forest: Solar-driven hydrogen production from biomass. (8th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takeda, Shutaro; Nam, Hoseok; Chapman, Andrew
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 58(2022)
• Page Start: 24651
• Page End: 24668
• Publication Date: 2022-07-08
• Subjects: Hydrogen -- Biomass -- Gasification -- Concentrated solar -- Life cycle assessment; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.11.203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: There is a need to derive hydrogen from renewable sources, and the innovative stewardship of two natural resources, namely the Sun and forest, could provide a new pathway. This paper provides the first comparative analysis of solar-driven hydrogen production from environmental angles. A novel hydrogen production process proposed in this paper, named Solar-Driven Advanced Biomass Indirect-Gasification (SABI-Hydrogen), shows promise toward achieving continuous operation and scalability, the two key challenges to meet future energy needs. The calculated Global Warming Potential for 1 kg of solar-driven hydrogen production is 1.04 kg CO2 -eq/kg H2, less than half of the current biomass gasification process which emits 2.67 kg CO2 -eq/kg H2 . Further, SABI-Hydrogen demonstrates the least-carbon intensive pathway among all current hydrogen production methods. Thus, solar-driven hydrogen production from biomass could lead to a sustainable supply, essential for a low-carbon energy transition. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel solar-driven, biomass-derived H2 production process is proposed. GHG emissions of solar-driven H2 production are 1.04 kg CO2 -eq/kg H2 . Solar-driven H2 from biomass is the least-carbon intensive production method of all.