Carbon Management

Green Hydrogen and Electrofuels: Overcoming Technological and Cost Barriers for Carbon Neutrality

Carbon neutrality is the equilibrium between carbon dioxide emissions and their removal from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration and mitigation strategies. Achieving this balance is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by capturing CO₂ and repurposing it for industrial applications or long-term storage. Decarbonization efforts also include transitioning industries to low-carbon technologies, improving fuel efficiency and investing in sustainable energy sources. However, scaling up these technologies presents significant challenges particularly in development costs, efficiency and integration with existing energy infrastructures. The high capital investment required for CCUS, hydrogen production and distribution networks remain a major obstacle, alongside the need for technological breakthroughs to enhance efficiency and reduce dependency on fossil-based processes.

Hydrogen energy emerges as a key enabler in the global energy transition due to its clean, storable and versatile nature. As a zero-carbon fuel, hydrogen emits only water vapor when used in fuel cells making it an attractive solution for reducing emissions across multiple sectors, including power generation, transportation and industrial processes. Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, is a game-changer for decarbonization. Unlike grey and blue hydrogen, green hydrogen has the potential to eliminate nearly all emissions from the production cycle, but current barriers include high production costs, limited infrastructure and scalability issues. Research and innovation in electrolyzer efficiency, renewable energy integration and hydrogen storage are crucial to making green hydrogen economically viable and commercially scalable. Additionally, international policy frameworks, governmental incentives and large-scale deployment strategies play a significant role in accelerating its adoption.

Recent advancements in electrolysis including solid oxide and alkaline electrolyzers have improved the efficiency of water-splitting technologies. Novel approaches such as carbon-integrated electrolyzers and photo-electrochemical hydrogen production methods further enhance hydrogen generation. Additionally, biohydrogen production utilizing microorganisms and organic waste materials provides a sustainable alternative for hydrogen synthesis. Despite technological progress, scaling up hydrogen infrastructure and storage remains a critical challenge. Addressing cost reduction trends, policy frameworks and international regulatory support is essential for accelerating the hydrogen economy.

This article collection aims to explore the latest research and technological innovations in hydrogen-based electrofuels and their role in achieving carbon neutrality. We invite contributions that address hydrogen production, storage, transportation, integration with CCUS, lifecycle emissions assessment, policy signals and economic feasibility. A comprehensive approach to hydrogen deployment will help navigate the complexities of energy transitions and contribute to a more sustainable and decarbonized future.

Topics of Interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) for Hydrogen Production
• GHG Emissions and Lifecycle Assessments of Hydrogen-Based Electrofuels
• Cost Reduction Strategies for Green Hydrogen Production and Deployment
• Solid Oxide and Alkaline Electrolyzers for Efficient Water Electrolysis
• Carbon-Integrated Electrolyzers for Converting Liquids into Hydrogen
• Photo-Electrochemical and Electrochemical Innovations for Hydrogen Synthesis
• Biohydrogen Production from Waste Materials and Microbial Processes
• Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Challenges and Solutions
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Efficiency Improvements and Market Scalability
• International Policies, Incentives, and Regulatory Frameworks for Hydrogen Economy Growth
• Hydrogen’s Role in Industrial Decarbonization and Energy Sector Transitions
• Hydrogen Infrastructure Development: Challenges and Future Directions
• Green Hydrogen and Electrofuels: Overcoming Technological and Cost Barriers for Carbon Neutrality.

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is December 11, 2025.

Please contact Kara Roberts (Kara.Roberts@taylorandfrancis.com) with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Dr. Fidelis Ibiang Abam, a leading expert in Energy and Power Technology, earned his PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Nigeria. His research interests include renewable energy systems, energy conversion and generation, exergy analysis, gas turbine plants, and rotating equipment. Dr. Abam also focuses on low-grade energy conversion technologies and multigeneration energy systems. He leads the Energy, Exergy, and Environment Research Group (EEERG) at MOUAU. Under his leadership, EEERG undertakes innovative research on energy resource estimation for Nigerian locations and develops sustainable energy scenarios aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6794-0118

Prof. MacManus C. Ndukwu is an agricultural engineer specializing in crop processing and storage. He received his B.Eng from the Federal University of Technology Owerri in 1998, M.Eng from the Federal University of Technology Akure in 2006, and PhD from the Federal University of Technology Akure in 2014. He currently works as a Professor of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, where he has held several administrative and committee roles over the past 15 years. His research focuses on crop processing and storage methods, and he has over 2500 citations on Google Scholar with an h-index of 26. Prof. Ndukwu is a researcher with expertise in renewable energy, specializing in solar thermal system design & applications. He has a strong background in Bioprocess engineering & thermo-fluids. He has made significant contributions to sustainable energy through the development of low-cost solar thermal systems & climate change mitigation studies. He also explores alternative green cooling technologies for developing countries & has consulted for GIZ Germany on sustainable cooling & drying solutions.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1361-9991

Prof. O. Y. Odufuwa is a researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the Central University of Technology, Free State. His research interests focus on thermo-fluids, energy systems, and renewable and alternative energy technologies. With a dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions, Odufuwa contributes to innovative studies that address modern challenges in energy efficiency and system optimization. Through his work, he aims to foster advancements in engineering practices and support the development of cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2511-1033

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The Guest Advisors do not have any Conflicts of Interest to disclose.