Economic, social, and regulatory challenges of green hydrogen production and utilization in the US: A review

Green Hydrogen (GH) is increasingly recognized as a viable solution in the United States (US) for meeting energy demands, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable sources such as wind and solar. This review paper identifies and examines three crucial research areas concerning GH. Despite significant federal, state, and business investment in the development of hydrogen technology, numerous questions have remained unanswered including economic viability, social acceptance, and policies and regulations. In comparison to the US, Europe, and Asia have taken a lead role in studying the social and regulatory aspects of GH. The study shows limited focus on social acceptance, and the absence of dedicated policies and regulations for hydrogen. The US lacks coordinated policies for GH and is blended with natural gas. The literature shows that the relationship between economics, social sciences, and policies and regulations are intrinsic. The success of GH in the US will require massive investments, public and private collaboration, research on social sciences, and regulatory support. Hence, the GH rollout will bridge the energy transition, and climate and development targets which guide future industrial, government and public decisions.(c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.