Comparative analysis of hydrogen production methods: Environmental impact and efficiency of electrochemical and thermochemical processes

The generation of hydrogen is a vital part of the world's shift to sustainable energy. However, the efficiency and environmental trade-offs between various production techniques are poorly understood. The ecological effects, efficiency, and technological innovation trends of thermochemical biomass conversion, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), and electrochemical hydrogen production are compared in this paper. This study evaluates global market positions and innovation patterns in these technologies over the last 20 years using patent data from major economies, such as the US, China, Japan, and Germany. A bibliometric technique using data from the European Patent Office was used to measure patenting activity and provide insights into the dynamics of research and development (R&D). The results show that whereas China, Japan, and the United States dominate innovation across several hydrogen production sectors, Germany lags in bioenergy patenting despite significant breakthroughs in hydrogen and battery technologies. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating sustainability metrics beyond patent analysis to influence industry investments and policy. To promote the development of cleaner hydrogen production pathways-crucial for a sustainable energy future-this study suggests specific innovation incentives, especially in bioenergy technologies.