Renewable Energy Research Highlights Promising Hydrogen Production Methods

Strategic Insights -

Scientists at the Department of Mechanical Engineering are pushing forward with the development of sustainable energy solutions. Their research, published in the journal Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, explores hydrogen production methods that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate environmental degradation concerns. The study focuses on biomass-to-hydrogen production through thermochemical conversion processes, such as pyrolysis and gasification. A comprehensive analysis of global research trends in this field, based on 5,402 publications, reveals the most significant contributors, leading authors, and prominent journals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the growing concerns over climate change, environmental degradation, and fossil fuel depletion, driving the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
  • Hydrogen production through biomass-to-hydrogen conversion has emerged as a promising alternative fuel due to its high energy content and zero-emission characteristics.
  • China, the USA, and India are the leading contributors to hydrogen production research, with the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy being the most prominent journal.
  • The research emphasizes the need for further investigation into process efficiency, feedstock utilization, and renewable system integration to enhance economic viability and scalability.
  • Biomass pyrolysis and gasification are critical processes for hydrogen production, exhibiting significant technological advancements and challenges.
  • Recent innovations in biomass-to-hydrogen production have improved feedstock utilization and process efficiency, but more research is required to address scalability and economic viability.

Statistics:

  • A total of 5,402 publications were retrieved from the Scopus database using selected keywords between 2010 and 2024.
  • China, the USA, and India contributed the most to hydrogen production research, accounting for 40% of the global publications.
  • The International Journal of Hydrogen Energy published the most research papers on biomass-to-hydrogen production, with 500 articles between 2010 and 2024.
  • The input data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel to evaluate document types, leading authors, journals, institutions, and keyword co-occurrence.
  • The study identifies key research gaps and recommendations for future research on biomass-to-hydrogen production, including enhancements to process efficiency and feedstock utilization.

Sources:

  • Renewable Energy Integrated Pyrolysis/gasification Technologies for Hydrogen Generation: a Bibliometric Analysis of Decarbonisation Strategies for Sustainable Future. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 2025; 65.
  • NewsRx. Reports from Department of Mechanical Engineering Advance Knowledge in Renewable Energy (Renewable Energy Integrated Pyrolysis/gasification Technologies for Hydrogen Generation: a Bibliometric Analysis of Decarbonisation Strategies for ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 31, 2025; p 366.
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graph Era Deemed Univ, Dehra Dun, India.