Hydrogen as an Energy Source: A Review of Production Technologies and Challenges of Fuel Cell Vehicles

The significant growth of both the global population and economy in recent years has led to a rise in global energy demand. Fossil fuels have a significant contribution to generating energy, which has raised concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. There are widespread efforts to find alternative sources in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental consequences. Among the alternative sources, hydrogen has emerged as a promising option due to its potential to be a clean and sustainable energy source. Hydrogen possesses several advantages, such as a high calorific value, a high reaction rate, various sources, and the ability to integrate with other renewable energy sources and existing systems. These attributes render hydrogen a stable and reliable energy resource, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and transition towards a sustainable future. In this review paper, distinct hydrogen production technologies, such as conventional, renewable, and nuclear energy, are investigated and compared. In addition, the challenges and limitations of the application of hydrogen fuel cells on vehicles and hydrogen circulation components are explored. Finally, the environmental impact of hydrogen vehicles, specifically their role in promoting sustainable development, is investigated.