Comparative review of hydrogen and electricity as energy carriers for the energy transition

Researchers and policymakers are seeking alternatives to oil products. Hydrogen and electricity could be the answer. This review compares both carriers and their technologies across the production chain. This study indicates electricity is more mature and advanced on a large scale. It also presents greater Energy Returns on Investment (EROI) over hydrogen, which portends a viable alternative to oil products. Hydrogen is not adaptable to traditional uses and comes with significant transportation losses, so it's recommended as an energy storage option instead of a carrier. It is a competitive option in areas where grid extension is not feasible and is hard to abate industries. The primary resource of carriers is crucial for their energy and environmental sustainability. Therefore, clean energy and carbon capture and storage technologies and their hybridization across the production chain could define the future energy landscape.