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Promoting green hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal discourse in the contemporary energy landscape, driven by pressing environmental concerns and the quest for sustainable energy solutions. This paper delves into the multifaceted domain of C -Suite issues about green hydrogen, encompassing both technological advancements and policy considerations. The question of whether green hydrogen is poised to become the focal point of the upcoming energy race is explored through an extensive analysis of its potential as a clean and versatile energy carrier. The transition from conventional fossil fuels to green hydrogen is considered a fundamental shift in energy paradigms, with far-reaching implications for global energy markets. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art green hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells, photocatalysts, photo electrocatalysts, and hydrogen panels. In tandem with technological advancements, the role of policy and strategy in fostering the development of green hydrogen energy assumes paramount significance. The paper elucidates the critical interplay between government policies, market dynamics, and corporate strategies in shaping the green hydrogen landscape. It delves into policy mechanisms such as subsidies, carbon pricing, and renewable energy mandates, shedding light on their potential to incentivize the production and adoption of green hydrogen. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of C -Suite issues surrounding green hydrogen, painting a comprehensive picture of the technological and policy considerations that underpin its emergence as a transformative energy source. As the global community grapples with the imperatives of climate change mitigation and the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, understanding these issues becomes imperative for executives, policymakers, and stakeholders alike. [Display omitted] • The latest advancements in photo electrocatalysts and fuel cell technologies are reviewed. • The storage and transportation within the realm of green hydrogen energy were discussed. • Policy and strategy for fostering the development of green energy are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analyse FinTech (financial technology) tools and their role in achieving sustainable development. FinTech strives to improve and streamline the provision of financial services. As a modern technology, it can significantly contribute to the sustainable development and it has a capacity to foster a more inclusive and more equitable society. FinTech promotes sustainable development by ensuring green finance, reducing costs and informational inequities, promoting efficiency, appreciating the value of nature's assets, and promoting realistic sustainable lifestyles. Bibliometric analysis shows growing importance and extensive use of the financial technology in achieving SDGs, especially in SDG 13 Climate Action. Green FinTech is focused on emerging trends that are associated with protecting the environment and impacts of climate change. Green finance is supporting environmentally friendly investments and advancing low-carbon technologies, projects and businesses. In accelerating the sustainable development several FinTech tools have been recognized: robo-advisors for environmentally friendly expenditures, payment tokens to be used for peer-to-peer power associations, and blockchain technologies for environmentally conscious supply chains and financial inventiveness. FinTech advances financial inclusion, sustainable finance, and sustainable investment while harnessing innovations in technology and financial services. Governments, legislators, financial institutions, and tech firms must work together to establish a supportive climate that takes advantage of the FinTech while assuring that it is used responsibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure on reducing greenhouse gas emissions has increased since the focus on climate change mitigation has grown. As the human development index is directly related to per capita energy consumption, sustainable energy production with reduced carbon footprint is the essential pathway for cleaner environment. Over numerous existing biological processes, hydrogen production via photo fermentation and photolysis of water is considered a more sustainable and economical method of hydrogen production. While both biological modes suffer from certain limitations, such as low yields and low production rates, practical implementation is still a long way off due to these limitations. The unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs) can help increase the efficiency of the biomass to biohydrogen process in significant ways. Applications of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in photocatalytic and photo fermentative hydrogen production is discussed in this paper. This review reports a wide range of applications of nanomaterials including the details of photo fermentative microorganisms and their mechanism of action. The maximum photo fermentative bio-H 2 production was reported in the presence of SiC–Fe 3 O 4 (3.02 mol H 2 /mol acetate), Ni (41 mol H 2 /mol sugar), graphite-C 3 N 4 (64.2 mol H 2 /mol sugar) whereas photocatalytic bio-H 2 yield was highest when Pd–Ni/CdS (54 mmol/g.h), Ni-MO/g-C 3 N 4 (1785 mmol/g.h) and CuO/TiO 2 (20.3 mmol/g.h) nanoparticles were employed. To design photocatalytic systems for practical and scalable use, the future research should be focused on deeper theoretical knowledge of mechanisms of light harvesting, ± charge separation and transport, surface biochemical reactions, semiconductor–liquid interactions, and reactor dynamics. [Display omitted] • Recent developments for improving water photolysis and photo-fermentation are reviewed. • Applications of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in hydrogen production are discussed. • The working principle and mechanism of hydrogen production are discussed. • The influence of key operating factors are presented. • Scope for future research was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing the EU's district heating is crucial for meeting climate goals and securing a sustainable energy future. Currently, district heating suffers from inefficiency, high operating temperatures, significant distribution losses, and reliance on fossil fuels. Literature highlights strategies for reducing emissions, including integrating low-carbon heat sources, lowering supply temperatures, and employing efficient technologies like heat pumps and combined heat and power (CHP). However, the individual effectiveness of these strategies in reducing emissions within existing networks remains unassessed. This study addresses the gap by applying a comprehensive model that evaluates energy and emissions across the district heating supply chain, coupled with a derivative-based sensitivity analysis. We apply this methodology to the national-level district heating systems of Sweden, France, Germany, and Poland. Results indicate that the impact of decarbonization strategies on district heating emissions varies significantly by the system's characteristics, i.e., the energy mix in power and district heating supply and the presence of CHP plants. Primarily, incorporating more low-carbon heat sources emerges as the most effective method for emission reduction across nearly all examined countries. A 1 % increase in the share of low-carbon heat sources can potentially cut emissions by 0.8–1.3 kg CO 2 e per GJ of heat. In countries like Sweden and France, where the power generation already relies heavily on low-carbon resources, technologies which convert electricity to heat—such as heat pumps and electric boilers—rank as the second most effective approach. In contrast, for countries like Germany and Poland, with their moderate to low use of low-carbon power, reducing distribution losses and decreasing heat demand prove more effective, with emission reductions ranging between 0.8-1.3 and 0.7–1.2 kg CO 2 e per GJ in these countries, respectively. Additionally, cutting down power generation in fossil fuel-based CHP plants significantly reduces emissions in these regions. While green hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) also contribute to emission reductions, a 1 % increase in green hydrogen's share might decrease emissions by just 0.3–0.5 kg CO 2 e per GJ of heat, highlighting their lower effectiveness compared to the aforementioned strategies. These insights hold value for both district heating operators and for technology suppliers seeking decarbonization pathways. This is also true for policymakers focused on climate change mitigation, guiding the distribution of subsidies and R&D investments. • Creation of a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to reduce emissions in district heating. • Application of the method to the national-level systems of Sweden, France, Germany, and Poland. • Effectiveness of strategies varies significantly by the system's characteristics. • Identification of most effective strategies by country and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Development Goal 7 highlights the importance of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. Transition to clean energy is vital for achieving climate action goals. Hydrogen can serve as a clean energy carrier, with the potential to decarbonize industry, transportation, and other sectors. As of 2021, hydrogen was mainly produced using fossil fuels (grey hydrogen), and only about 1 % of global hydrogen output was produced with renewable energy (green hydrogen). The transition to green hydrogen requires new hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities which is challenging to implement due to a lack of associated infrastructure and high upfront costs. This study highlighted barriers and opportunities for hydrogen technologies by reviewing evidence and establishing links with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review identified fifty-two opportunities and forty-six challenges linked to SDGs1, 2, 4.6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13. Out of all the hydrogen production technologies green hydrogen was the most common choice noted in the. Technical opportunities for green hydrogen production were found to have the potential to positively impact society and environment, but high costs were noted to be a barrier. To reduce economic barriers, recommendations include analysing the impact of subsidies and working further on the development of policies and regulations to support the scaling-up of green hydrogen systems. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen supports SDG 7 ambitions, but high costs and a lack of existing infrastructure noted as barriers. • Review identifies fifty-two opportunities and forty-six challenges connecting hydrogen with SDGs. • Hydrogen presents sustainability synergies (environmental and social) and trade-offs (economic). • Green hydrogen is the most common solution identified in literature with the potential to support SDGs. • Need for subsidies to support scale up of green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research literature on the driving mechanisms for the clean energy transition in the Next 11 (N11) economies to accomplish their carbon-free targets is scarce. We address this research gap with an empirical analysis of the effects of renewable fuels, resource allocation, corporate governance, energy trade, economic growth, carbon taxes, and digitalization on the shift to clean energy between 1990 and 2022. Using the method of Moments Quantile Regression, the results show that all regressors enhance the shift to clean energy. Based on the study outcomes, policymakers should intensify their attempts to coordinate policies to support sustainable development goal ambitions. • N11 governments strive to achieve climate change goals. • Renewable fuels can enhance the transition to clean energy. • The ecological consequence of corporate governance on the transition to clean energy is positive. • Energy trade may assist in the shift to clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the goal of Green Hydrogen Mission, India needs to work on three fronts concurrently. These are Feedstock Systems, Circular Economy integration, and the Environmental Impact of Hydrogen Emissions. This study addresses a critical research gap by offering a holistic assessment of India's preparedness in these interconnected areas. Prior research has often focused on individual aspects of this challenge. This work examines all three factors simultaneously to gain a clearer picture of India's ability to achieve its ambitious emission reduction goals. It analyzes India's rich feedstock resources, exploring initiatives like methane cracking and green hydrogen blending as emission reduction and sustainable energy solutions. Examining various sectors, including manufacturing and waste management, reveals barriers to circular economy integration, such as economic constraints and lack of awareness, alongside proposed solutions. Furthermore, the environmental impact of hydrogen emissions is scrutinized, stressing the importance of understanding and mitigating hydrogen emissions for a low-carbon economy. The study concludes by advocating for collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. This collaboration is crucial to drive India's Green Hydrogen Mission forward through innovative solutions, policy interventions, and technological advancements. By addressing these interconnected areas, India can achieve its Green Hydrogen Mission goals and contribute significantly to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. [Display omitted] • Assesses India's readiness on three fronts, guiding future strategies. • Emphasizes methane cracking and hydrogen blending for emissions reduction. • Examines India's circular economy integration across sectors. • Addresses hydrogen emissions' environmental impact and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the complex origins of energy poverty, focusing on economic, technological, and infrastructural aspects through the analysis of peer-reviewed articles using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). By identifying key themes such as "energy scarcity," "energy accessibility," and "sustainable energy," the study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable and accessible energy solutions. It highlights the shift towards community-led renewable energy initiatives as a critical strategy to achieve climate goals and support a low-carbon future. The research addresses the socio-economic impacts of energy poverty on household income and development, particularly in developing countries. It explores the challenges associated with solar energy in rural electrification and the dynamics of rural energy use and policy. The findings emphasize the importance of region-specific strategies and policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. By advocating for equitable energy distribution and the adoption of renewable resources, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues at play. This investigation offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to combat energy poverty and promote environmental sustainability. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how targeted strategies can alleviate energy poverty and foster sustainable development, supporting efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The study highlights the potential for community-driven initiatives to significantly impact the global energy landscape by presenting perspectives on energy policy and technology rollouts. [Display omitted] • Uses KMeans clustering and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic analysis. • Identifies key themes: scarcity, access, and sustainability. • Highlights community-led renewable energy's role. • Shows energy poverty's socio-economic impacts. • Advocates for equitable energy policies and renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity demand is a crucial factor in energy system planning. Understanding future electricity demand is vital for developing effective energy and climate policies, as well as establishing a resilient and sustainable energy system. In light of these considerations, the escalating challenges posed by climate change are anticipated to have a substantial impact on electricity demand. This study, therefore, provides a comprehensive analysis delving into the dynamic nature of Temperature Response Functions (TRFs) of electricity demand across Europe. By examining various factors influencing electricity demand in residential buildings, such as thermal insulation, heating electrification, space cooling, and passive cooling, we aim to understand their collective impact on shaping future Temperature Response Functions. To project electricity demand, our study incorporates these factors into our scenario assumptions. Through a comprehensive investigation of these scenarios, our findings reveal distinctive regional influences of these factors. In regions where heating demand prevails, an initial increase in electricity demand is anticipated due to increased electrification rates. However, improved building thermal insulation is expected to substantially reduce winter electricity demand in the long run. Conversely, in regions with pronounced cooling demand, a notable escalation in electricity demand is foreseen due to increased space cooling penetration rate. Nevertheless, the application of effective passive cooling measurements is expected to mitigate and markedly diminish this increase. By highlighting the differential influences of these factors on electricity demand across Europe, our findings can offer valuable insights and guidelines first for energy system modelers for considering the change in Temperature Response Functions and second for policymakers to develop effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. • Examination of the dynamic characteristics of Temperature Response Functions (TRFs). • Space and passive cooling, electric heating, insulation effects on electricity demand. • Projection of TRFs and electricity demand for 36 European countries until 2100. • Thermal insulation and passive cooling are essential for reducing electricity demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study investigates the relatively unexplored relationships between socio-economic factors and perceptions of climate change and their influence on household energy preferences in developing contexts, taking the case of Nepal. We aim to achieve two objectives: to create a robust model identifying key socio-economic and climate perception variables affecting household energy behaviour; and to compare the respective impacts of these factors. Applying a mixed-method approach, we surveyed 323 households across 49 districts and three physiographic regions (high hills, mid hills and Terai plains) of Nepal. We fixed the explanatory and response variables through literature review and evaluated three ordinal logistic regression models: one focused solely on socio-economic factors, the second only on climate perception and the third a composite model integrating both. Data statistics showed that 47 % of the respondents preferred no change to their existing energy status, 23 % opted to rely completely on grid-electricity, 14 % favoured switching to renewables, while 16 % preferred an optimal combination of grid-electricity and renewables for their household use. The Composite-model was found to be the best fit model for our dataset. The identified key socio-economic factors include urbanization, education levels, and the availability of energy alternatives indicating a wide disparity in the energy access and use across the different socio-economic categories of Nepal. Likewise, magnitude and timing of summer and winter rainfall, changes in the household energy demands and community level subsidies were found to be the significant climate change perception variables. Hence, our findings highlight the need for better access to modern energy and financial incentives, mostly to the rural remote areas, and community-awareness initiatives throughout the country supported by comprehensive energy policies for sustainable renewable energy transition at the household level as well as in mitigation of the impacts of climate change. By enhancing this policy-science-society interface, our research contributes valuable insights for developing effective strategies to promote renewable energy adoption in similar developing contexts. • People's energy preferences are impacted by multiple factors. • Composite model outperformed its counterparts. • Socio-economic and climate change perception parameters need to be dealt holistically. • A significant contribution to the policy-science-society interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare organisations have a significant carbon footprint due to their substantial energy consumption and waste generation. The existing literature has mostly focused on examining the isolated impact of specific green organisational practices on individual dimensions of environmental performance. Hence, policy makers and practitioners still lack a holistic view of how combinations of green organisational practices can mitigate the impact on climate change of healthcare organisations. Drawing on the practice-based view (PBV) of strategy, the study first examines the extent to which the adoption of imitable, individual green organisational practices impacts on the whole climate change mitigation performance of publicly owned hospitals. Second, it explores possible combinations of green organisational practices that can lead to high levels of climate change mitigation performance. Focusing on the illustrative case of publicly owned acute care hospitals in the English National Health Service and employing a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis and a fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the analysis shows that the adoption of the practice of green energy procurement can, in isolation, positively lead to high climate change mitigation outcomes. Moreover, high performance levels can be achieved through multiple configurations of green organisational practices. Therefore, the findings suggest that the effectiveness of green organisational practices on climate change mitigation performance of hospitals depends on how practices are combined, rather than on their single effects, and indicate the presence of a complementary as well as a substitution effect between practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of green energy technologies to supply berthed ships in ports with the necessary power instead of using their diesel generators is considered an initiative towards sustainability and climate change mitigation. Therefore, the current paper investigates the implementation of solar panels, offshore wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cell systems as green technologies to supply the berthed ships with power in three Egyptian ports. The power requirements are determined by analyzing the annual ship traffic data and estimating the energy demand for each ship type. As a relevant result, the annual energy demand for ships berthed in Alexandria, Damietta, and Safaga ports is about 44.2 × 103 MWh, 22 × 103 MWh, and 5.6 × 103 MWh, respectively. The analysis results reveal a potential annual carbon dioxide reduction of 31.7 k-tons, 15.7 k-tons, and 4.2 k-tons in Alexandria, Damietta, and Safaga ports, respectively. From an economic perspective, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of solar panels is estimated to be 80.7–90.1 $/MWh, while hydrogen fuel cells have a cost of 166.8–172 $/MWh. On the other hand, LCOE in the case of wind turbines is estimated to be 140.8 $/MWh for Alexandria ports, 178.3 $/MWh for Damietta port, and 103.9 $/MWh for Safaga port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotechnology, the fifth technological wave preceding the sixth wave of Sustainability, is crucial for achieving the 2023 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in biodiverse Brazil. This review uses composite indicators to compare Brazil with the USA across static and temporal evolutions. Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 and 5 were assessed using patents from 2000 to 2019. Patents from 2000 to 2019 reveal a TRL gap at 4–5 in Brazil, skewed towards academic articles (TRL3), indicating lag behind the USA at TRL5. Brazil's patent growth rate surpasses the USA's by eightfold. Specialization between Brazilian academia and the nation converges. The revealed technological advantage and the distance between academies and between countries are nearing unification. Brazil focuses on SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) but must intensify efforts on SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG14 (Life below Water), and SDG15 (Life on Land). The USA concentrates its technologies in SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being). USA's modern biotech navigates the fifth wave, while Brazil's traditional biotech must modernize, focusing on SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG17 (Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development), requiring government policies for mid-range TRLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and global biodiversity loss call for clean energy production systems with minimised ecological impacts. Offshore wind energy production will become one of the main uses of global marine spaces within next decades. Offshore wind turbine foundations can function as artificial reefs but it is unknown if these capabilities apply to different foundation types. We collected field data on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), a species under pressure in the southern North Sea, around three foundation types to assess these capabilities. Catch rates showed that monopile foundations with rock protection on the seabed were able to attract significantly more fish than monopile foundations with sandbag protection and jacket foundations. Fish densities varied on small scales meaning that reef effects were spatially restricted. This implies that offshore wind energy production can be used as tool to combine climate change mitigation with local biodiversity conservation but that a consideration of the wind farm design is required. • Offshore wind farms have been shown to attract fish. • Atlantic cod is an endangered species in the southern North Sea. • Catch rates of Atlantic cod highest around monopiles with rock protection. • Monopiles with sandbag protection and jacket foundations attracted significantly less cod. • Wind farm design can be adapted to meet conservation needs and produce green energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concern over climate change mitigation has heightened the search for low-carbon, affordable, and non-intermittent energy alternatives. In this perspective, hydropower, thermal, solar, photovoltaic, and nuclear energy sources fit all these qualities as they are well-known as cleaner and ecosystem-friendly energy sources. However, despite the attractiveness of the clean energy transition, the extant literature has less documentation on the pertinent role of nuclear energy in the "climate change mitigation (SDG-13)" agenda, hence making it difficult to predict nuclear energy-CO 2 emissions (CO 2 e) nexus. Hence, the present study, using IPAT and the "environmental Kuznets curve (EKC)" framework, explores the consequences of nuclear energy generation, population dynamics, and economic progress on CO 2 e in the "United States of America (USA)" by applying a "dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DARDL)" model from 1973 to 2021. The study provides evidence the existence of the EKC phenomena, suggesting that economic expansion hurts the environment up to a specific threshold level of per capita income, which is identified as US$ 29,581.16. Further empirical findings also show the detrimental effect of population-induced-emission. Remarkably, a 1% rise in nuclear energy generation dwindles CO 2 e by around 0.819%. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that economic growth level, population, and CO 2 emission are entangled. However, there is a need for a collective role from both stakeholders and policymakers in achieving "SDG-13" as well as "clean and affordable energy (SDG-7)" with a paradigm shift of the USA energy portfolio away from fossil fuels to renewables. • The nexus between nuclear energy-population-CO 2 emissions is investigated for USA. • We applied dynamic ARDL simulations model. • Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis prevails in USA. • Nuclear energy generation dampens the effect of CO 2 emission. • The population induced-emission in both the short- and long-run is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extreme event experience links with greater willingness to pay for climate policy. • Wildfires and hurricanes have the strongest correlation with WTP. • WTP increases by $71-$106 for those who have experienced extreme events. • Extreme event experience could lead to $12 billion support/year for climate policy. We explore how extreme event experience relates to climate policy support in the U.S. We add three important yet uncommon elements to this field: we verify self-reports of extreme event experience with actual weather data; we use a willingness-to-pay measure to assess behavioral intention; and we analyze which types of extreme events have stronger impacts on WTP. People who self-report extreme weather events are willing to pay approximately $112/year more for climate mitigation policy than those who do not; people for whom those self-reports match recorded data are willing to pay $106 or $71 more (controlling for climate beliefs and political ideology and depending on how unverified reporters are treated). Wildfires have the strongest influence on WTP. Though our results show that political ideology correlates more strongly with policy support than does extreme event experience, extreme event experience exhibits a robust correlation with policy support, and could result in a minimum of billions of dollars of support annually for clean-energy policy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Provide an in-depth analysis of the recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives in HPTSU technologies. • Discusses various methods of hydrogen production and highlights the developments in transportation and storage solutions. • Explores the potential applications of hydrogen across different sectors, and identifies the key research areas for further improvement and large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies. Hydrogen has been recognized as a promising alternative energy carrier due to its high energy density, low emissions, and potential to decarbonize various sectors. This review paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives in hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization (HPTSU) technologies. The paper discusses various methods of hydrogen production, highlights the developments in transportation and storage solutions, explores the potential applications of hydrogen across different sectors, and identifies the key research areas for further improvement and large-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies. This review provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to understand the latest technical advancements in HPTSU technologies, and their potential to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Increasing demand for Ni in the clean energy transition has identified Ni as a critical metal. • Ni provides high storage capacity, which reduces the size of lithium ion-batteries. • High-grade Ni laterites and sulfide deposits are depleting due to intensive production and overconsumption. • Exploitation of low-grade Ni sources such as serpentine soil will contribute to maintain a sustainable supply in future. • Phytomining is a potential route for economic exploitation of Ni from low-grade sources. In 2022, nickel (Ni) was nominated as a critical metal due to its wide applications in the metal industry, especially in clean energy applications to achieve climate mitigation targets. Meantime, rapid industrialization and escalating demand for electronic battery manufacturing have increased global Ni consumption, and therefore available primary Ni resources will not be sufficient to cater to the demand. As a result, currently, the Ni supply chain is diversifying focusing on low-grade Ni resources which were previously considered as economically invaluable. This paper presents comprehensive study on different applications of Ni, existing high-grade Ni resources, mode of occurrence, and the production and future demand of Ni, and discusses the state of art on the different leaching and extraction methods to recover Ni from low-grade sources, such as mine tailings, galvanic sludge, electronic batteries, and serpentine soil. In addition, this paper highlights the current status of the Ni phytomining approaches in serpentine soil and its future perspectives. It is evident that a development of Ni phytomining industry as a carbon–neutral mining technique is essential to overcome Ni supply risk for the commercial production of Ni using low-grade resources. Finally, this study will evaluate the production of high-quality Ni from low-grade secondary sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]