Towards reforming technologies for production of hydrogen exclusively from renewable resources

Abstract

Stern standards on the quality of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly on sulphur and aromatic content, is one of the major drivers of increasing hydrogen demand by petroleum refineries. The fuel standards are often predicated on reducing environmental pollution. However, most commercial hydrogen production processes are based on non-renewable resources which are associated with high carbon footprints. With increasing demand of hydrogen, the carbon footprint associated with hydrogen production will increase accordingly. Incentives for green hydrogen production technologies will be an impetus toward smooth succession of industrial processes from high to low carbon footprint. It will engender a shortened learning curve and facilitate entry of green reforming technologies into the hydrogen market. This review examines the potential of some emerging reforming technologies for hydrogen production from renewable resources.