Approaches and Barriers to Large-Scale Deployment of Green Hydrogen: Technologies, Storage, Safety, Standards, and Techno-Economics

This paper identifies practical approaches and key barriers to the large-scale deployment of green hydrogen. By reviewing today’s commercially available and near-commercial production and storage technologies, we synthesize technical, techno-economic, and social considerations that shape the emerging green hydrogen economy. A life-cycle perspective is emphasized, highlighting that the “greenness” of hydrogen depends not only on the conversion route but also on upstream electricity and water sourcing, and on downstream compression, storage, transport, and end-use. Key benefits include deep decarbonization potential, coupling with variable renewables as a flexible energy carrier, and cross-sector applications in industry and mobility. Major constraints remain: high costs, significant infrastructure needs, and safety concerns related to leakage, detectability, and materials compatibility (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement). Because hydrogen is odorless and colorless and can form wide flammability mixtures, fast and reliable detection, improved containment materials, and robust standards and certification schemes are essential for scaling. The paper concludes with research and policy directions to reduce uncertainty, improve public acceptance, and accelerate bankable deployment pathways.

کلیدواژه ها:

Green hydrogen ، Water electrolysis ، Hydrogen safety ، LCA ، TEA