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HYDROGEN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR ACHIEVING CLIMATE NEUTRALITY
Abstract
This paper analyses the current development status of hydrogen production technologies and projects global demand growth through 2050. Production costs and CO2 emissions per kilogram of hydrogen are identified as key factors influencing the adoption of hydrogen technologies. While fossil-based methods currently offer cost advantages, electrolysis and biological processes demonstrate superior performance regarding CO2 emissions. Provided that sufficient investments are made, the cost of renewable energy production is expected to decline significantly by 2040, which will contribute to the development of climate-neutral hydrogen supply. Comparing hydrogen production technologies according to sustainability criteria is essential for guiding investment decisions and assessing their effectiveness. Based on this analysis of hydrogen production technologies, electrolysis technology is identified as having the greatest development prospects, assuming adequate resources are available. Despite the high specific energy costs associated with producing 1 kg of hydrogen, electrolysis technology provides minimal CO2 emissions and the possibility of integration with renewable energy sources. The research methodology focuses on identifying hydrogen production technologies that do not generate greenhouse gases or carbon derivatives with indirect climate impacts. The costs of hydrogen production and energy losses of this process for the relevant technologies were also taken into account. The findings provide a basis to justify investment decisions in the development of climate-neutral hydrogen technologies. The aim of the present study is to analyse various technologies for hydrogen production in terms of their climate neutrality and economic efficiency. Based on the results, recommendations are derived for selecting suitable technologies to support sustainable hydrogen production.
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References14
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