Biohydrogen production and its bioeconomic impact: a review

Abstract

The production of biohydrogen from biological processes is cleaner and more sustainable than that of fossil fuel-based hydrogen. The drive for cleaner and sustainable energy sources is an important facet of the bioeconomy. Based on these findings, this paper aimed to examine the significance and impact of biohydrogen on the bioeconomy. These bioprocessing strategies are primarily biophotolysis, fermentation and bio-electrolytic systems. Considering that biological processes are slow compared to other thermochemical production processes, production volumes cannot match that of the latter. The inherently slow nature of biochemical reactions taking place in living organisms is a challenge that puts biohydrogen at a disadvantage. Biological processes are also very sensitive to temperature and pH, thereby requiring more intricate process monitoring and control. To obtain equivalent volumes of biohydrogen compared to production strategies, larger and more intricate facilities would be needed, implying more cost implications. It is surmised that biohydrogen will continue to play an important role in the drive for a sustainable bioeconomy despite the current challenges it faces.