Abstract
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•Fossil fuels need a clean alternative to check elevated global temperatures.•H2 is a promising alternative with high energy density and clean fuel characteristics.•Current H2 production is grey and green techniques need to economize.•H2 transport and delivery is the most critical problem, storage as metal hydrides is promising.•H2 has enormous potential for usage in the transportation sector once techno-economic barriers are settled.
The transportation sector is one of the major consumers of fuel i.e., mostly relying on fossil-based fuels. With the rising energy demand and consumption of fossil fuels, the concentration of pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are increasing in the atmosphere. Hydrogen (H2) is a well-known source of clean energy options and a better alternative to fossil fuels. It has the potential to become a promising fuel for renewable transportation by providing safe, efficient, stable, accessible, and customer-friendly energy. This is due to its many characteristics, such as energy density, high calorific value, affordability, and a wide variety of production methods. H2 has the potential to completely replace the use of fossil fuel in internal combustion engines. The review highlights the recent advances in H2 production, storage, and transportation. Apart from the conventional steam reforming technique i.e., producing around 85% of the world’s grey H2, several clean techniques such as partial oxidation, plasma reforming, water electrolysis, pyrolysis, and photoelectrolysis are comprehensively discussed. Despite its many advantages, H2 storage is a significant issue. Hence, the recent advances and challenges in H2 storage i.e., physical, and material-based techniques have been deliberated. Further, the risks involved during the production, handling, and transportation of H2 fuel is highlighted, and the latest trends in its safety recommendations have been suggested. Finally, the techno-economic feasibility challenges and its outlook has been discussed.