Review on hydrogen production, storage and transport in the context of the energy transition

¹ National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion – INSEMEX, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea Street, 332047, Petrosani, Hunedoara County, Romania
² University of Petrosani, Doctoral School, 20 Unviersitatii Street, 332006, Petrosani, Hunedoara County, Romania

^* Corresponding author: vlad.pasculescu@insemex.ro

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered a central element in the architecture of future sustainable energy systems, due to its versatility and potential for integration with renewable sources. However, despite the growing interest, the development of a functional hydrogen-based economy faces numerous technological, economic and logistical obstacles. The production of hydrogen from clean sources still involves significant costs and requires high energy consumption, which limits competitiveness compared to conventional methods. Efficient storage is hampered by the physical properties of hydrogen, which impose special handling conditions. In addition, the transport infrastructure is insufficient, which affects scaling at regional and global levels. This article aims to examine the main issues surrounding the use of hydrogen in the context of energy transition, with a focus on the crucial steps of production, storage, and transportation. They are considered, together with potential directions for technological and organizational advancement, without excluding elements related to public politics, investments, and international initiatives, where analysis is permitted. The overall goal is to help understand the role of hydrogen in future sustainable energy systems by highlighting both current challenges and potential solutions.