Journal of Environmental and Sustainability Science
Research Article
• Open Access
Green Hydrogen as a Catalyst for Sustainable Energy Transition: A Comparative Analysis of Technological, Policy, and Spatial Dimensions
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The global imperative to decarbonize energy systems has positioned green hydrogen as a cornerstone of the sustainable energy transition. Produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, green hydrogen offers a zero-carbon energy carrier capable of decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors, enabling long-duration energy storage, and enhancing energy security. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of green hydrogen development across four distinct contexts: Kenya, Türkiye, India, and the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through an integrative framework examining technological readiness, policy architecture, resource endowment, and spatial sustainability, the research identifies both universal challenges and context-specific pathways for green hydrogen deployment. The findings reveal that while green hydrogen production technologies—particularly alkaline, PEM, and solid oxide electrolysis—have matured significantly, their commercial viability remains constrained by high capital costs, renewable electricity requirements, and infrastructure deficits. Policy analysis demonstrates that comprehensive national hydrogen strategies, demand-side incentives, and international cooperation frameworks are critical enablers, yet implementation gaps persist between ambition and execution. Spatial assessment of water stress and renewable energy potential in Türkiye reveals that high renewable potential regions coincide with severe water scarcity, necessitating seawater-based electrolysis approaches. The Kenyan case illustrates the importance of aligning green hydrogen development with existing renewable energy infrastructure and industrial decarbonization priorities. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission exemplifies large-scale ambition with targets of 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030, while Newfoundland and Labrador's wind-to-hydrogen projects demonstrate the strategic value of proximity to European markets. The study concludes that successful green hydrogen deployment requires integrated approaches that simultaneously address technological innovation, policy coherence, infrastructure investment, spatial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
Keywords
green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy transition, water electrolysis, sustainability, policy framework, spatial planning, decarbonizationReferences
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