Análise das técnicas atuais e emergentes na produção de hidrogênio verde: avaliação dos impactos socioambientais e potenciais para sustentabilidade energética

Abstract

Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, is an essential alternative for the energy transition and the decarbonization of sectors like maritime transportation, heavy industry, and energy storage. This study investigated current and emerging techniques for its production, including water electrolysis, thermochemical and biological processes, and innovative technologies like photoelectrocatalysis. The objective was to evaluate these techniques in terms of energy efficiency, installation and operational costs, and socio-environmental impacts, enabling an in-depth comparative analysis. The comparative analysis revealed that mature technologies, such as alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane electrolysis, stand out for their high energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, despite their high costs. Conversely, biomass utilization is attractive for its use of organic waste, contributing to emissions and waste reduction, though it still faces technical and economic challenges. Emerging technologies like photoelectrocatalysis show great potential by directly harnessing solar energy, but require further development to achieve large-scale competitiveness. This study is highly significant as it provides a comprehensive and detailed perspective on the opportunities and challenges of green hydrogen production, a critical topic for addressing global issues such as climate change, reliance on fossil fuels, and inequality in access to clean energy. The research emphasizes the need for integrated public policies that encourage financial incentives, low-carbon certifications, and international collaboration to enable the efficient and sustainable implementation of these technologies. It concludes that green hydrogen is indispensable for building a sustainable energy matrix, with the potential to mitigate environmental impacts, drive economic growth, and foster a low-carbon future.