MOAZ BİLTO

Hydrogen as a Sustainable Energy Carrier: A Comprehensive Review of Technological and Economic Challenges

Abstract

This presentation offers a comprehensive review of the current state of hydrogen-powered energy systems and their potential to accelerate decarbonization across several hard-to-abate sectors that remain heavily dependent on conventional fuels. Hydrogen stands out due to its high energy density of 120 MJ/kg, making it a competitive alternative to traditional energy sources.

The global race toward achieving 100% renewable energy systems and full-scale decarbonization could be significantly advanced by scaling up hydrogen deployment. This transition has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 800 million tonnes annually. However, despite these benefits, several technological and economic challenges hinder hydrogen’s widespread adoption.

State-of-the-art hydrogen technologies are still limited by relatively low efficiencies (typically 60–70%, with some advanced systems reaching 80% under ideal conditions), high operational and maintenance costs, and substantial initial investment requirements. Furthermore, the current production cost of green hydrogen ranges from $4 to $7 per kilogram depending on location and technology—still above the global competitiveness threshold of $2/kg.

Storage also poses a major obstacle, as hydrogen requires either high-pressure compression up to 700 bar or cryogenic liquefaction below −253 °C, both of which involve significant technical and economic constraints.

To unlock hydrogen’s full potential as a sustainable green energy carrier, comprehensive strategies must include technological advancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and robust policy frameworks. Improving hydrogen’s market integration will be critical for enabling a low-carbon, hydrogen-driven future.

Biography

Moaz Bilto is currently a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Fluid Dynamics at The University of Texas at Dallas. His research spans computational fluid dynamics (CFD), turbulence modeling, and applications in energy systems, including hydrogen technologies. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is actively involved in research related to Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and stability analysis.