Socio-economic aspects of hydrogen energy: An integrative review

Hydrogen can be recognized as the most plausible fuel for promoting a green environment. Worldwide, developed and developing countries have established their hydrogen research, investment, and policy frameworks. This analysis of 610 peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 50 years provides quantitative and impartial insight into the hydrogen economy. By 2030, academics and business professionals believe that hydrogen will complement other renewable energy (RE) sources in the energy revolution. This study conducts an integrative review by employing software such as Bibliometrix R-tool and VOSviewer on socio-economic consequences of hydrogen energy literature derived from the Scopus database. We observed that most research focuses on multidisciplinary concerns such as generation, storage, transportation, application, feasibility, and policy development. We also present the conceptual framework derived from in-depth literature analysis as well as the interlinkage of concepts, themes, and aggregate dimensions, to highlight research hotspots and emerging patterns. In the future, factors such as green hydrogen generation, hydrogen permeation and leakage management, efficient storage, risk assessment studies, blending, and techno-economic feasibility shall play a critical role in the socio-economic aspects of hydrogen energy research.

Automated summary

Hydrogen is considered as the most viable fuel for promoting a green environment. Countries worldwide have dedicated research, investment, and policy frameworks for hydrogen. By analyzing 610 peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 50 years, this study provides quantitative and unbiased insights into the hydrogen economy. It is believed that by 2030, hydrogen will complement other renewable energy sources in the energy revolution. This comprehensive review examines the socio-economic consequences of hydrogen energy literature and identifies key research areas and emerging patterns.