Biohydrogen: Advancing a sustainable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is critical for mitigating climate change, and biohydrogen offers a promising solution as a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy carrier. This paper critically examines the latest advancements in biohydrogen production methods, focusing on microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), fermentation, and biophotolysis. The study provides a comparative analysis of these technologies, highlighting their current limitations and potential for scaling up. Unique insights into integrating microbial electrochemical processes and innovations in bioreactor design are discussed, emphasizing how these approaches can enhance efficiency and sustainability. The paper also addresses the challenges in optimizing microbial performance and feedstock utilization, proposing future research directions for improving biohydrogen yields. Moreover, the manuscript explores the economic feasibility and potential for integrating biohydrogen production with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. By identifying key barriers to large-scale implementation, this study offers practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges, aiming to accelerate biohydrogen adoption as a viable alternative energy source. This review underscores biohydrogen's transformative potential for achieving a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.