Hydrogen Production from Biomass

Hydrogen is light, storable, energy heavy and does not produce direct carbon emissions or greenhouse gases (GHG). So, hydrogen can play an important role in any decarbonization strategy. It will not only help in integrating increasing RE into the grid sustainably but can also decarbonize hard to abate sectors like petroleum, steel, cement, fertilizers, transport, etc. Presently, green hydrogen from electrolysis of water costs twice that of grey hydrogen but with alternate technologies, soon it may be available at less than $1/kg. Green hydrogen can be produced from renewable feedstocks like waste, biomass, sewage sludge, etc. Processes for hydrogen production from waste include gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, steam methane reforming, dry reforming, methane splitting, etc. Global waste generation is over 2.0 billion tons and expected to grow about 3.5 billion tons by 2050. Out of various hydrogen production routes, analysis indicates hydrogen from biomass/waste not only can be produced at least cost but also can reduce air, water and soil contamination. Moreover, hydrogen from waste produced in decentralized manner can reduce hydrogen transport cost. Further, green hydrogen can facilitate faster and sustainable energy transition cutting energy imports for India. Green hydrogen can make India self-reliant and facilitate its journey towards carbon neutrality.