Recent advancements in the hydrogen value chain: Opportunities, challenges, and the way Forward–Middle East perspectives.

This work highlights the recent advancements in the hydrogen value chain for the Middle East region by evaluating the feedstock, production technologies, storage options, delivery routes, and end-user applications. It discusses the national strategies for implementing the hydrogen value chain in the Middle East from 2020 to 2050. The challenges in the hydrogen value chain from techno-economic, safety, and social perspectives are also discussed in this study. Hydrogen production technologies are analyzed and compared. Steam-methane reforming has a high efficiency of 74% and a low hydrogen cost of $2.27/kg-H 2 , making it the most dominant technology for hydrogen production. Electrolysis has a lower efficiency of 60% and a higher hydrogen cost of $10.30/kg-H 2, with more potential for further improvments. Furthermore, hydrogen storage options are compared. Compressed gas and cryogenic liquid options have the highest storage capacities of 39.2 and 70.9 kg/m3, respectively. However, they are not entirely safe due to the high flammability of hydrogen. Two hydrogen explosion incidents are also reported, the first explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011 and the second in the Hindenburg fire in 1937. Metal hydrides propose a safer and more effective option, but they are still under research and development. For H 2 transportation options, pipelines and cryogenic tankers are the most conventional and efficient options (above 99%). Ships have the largest capacity of 10,000 tons per shipment and the maximum investment costs of 465M - 620M$ per barge, but they are not feasible. This review paper will help researchers and practitioners analyze the hydrogen value chain in a more systematic way for further improvements toward more practical applications. • Several Middle East countries have developed national strategies for the hydrogen economy. • Steam-Methane Reforming is the most widely used method for hydrogen production. • Electrolysis and photolysis need major technical advances to be commercialized. • Hydrogen delivery infrastructure requires further development for a future hydrogen economy. • Hydrogen Value Chain implementation has some techno-economic and safety and social challenges. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]