Global potential of algae-based photobiological hydrogen production

Abstract

Photobiological hydrogen production through algae (including green algae and cyanobacteria) is one of the most promising ways to obtain green hydrogen energy due to its outstanding light-harvesting and energy conversion efficacy. However, the sustainability and cost essentially impede its large-scale commercial production. This study aims to bridge this gap, present a blueprint for sustained and sustainable bioH₂ production, and provide scientists and policymakers with a reference and foundation to evaluate its economic feasibility when applied locally. Evaluation is based on a simplified assumption of functioning algae as living ‘solar panels’. By revisiting the current literature, recent advancements in this technology are identified, offering potential solutions to overcome the issues. A combination of a promising algal bioH₂ generating method with its derivative concept-design algae culturing model was compared with the largest photovoltaic electrolysis H₂ plant in the world hitherto to show both pros and cons of these two methods. A global spatiotemporal dynamic map and scalability analysis were performed to demonstrate the potential of algal bioH₂ production among various locations.