Transforming waste into clean energy: The future of hydrogen energy generation in Bangladesh

The transition to sustainable energy highlights the significance of green hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier. This study evaluates the potential of utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass as feedstocks for hydrogen production in Bangladesh through thermochemical and biological methods, including gasification, pyrolysis, dark fermentation, and photo fermentation. Employing region-specific MSW characteristics, the research predicts hydrogen yields and energy efficiencies, models future hydrogen production potential from 2025 to 2045, and assesses environmental and economic impacts. Gasification demonstrates the highest feasibility for large-scale applications, while dark fermentation is particularly suited to the local climate and organic waste composition. By integrating waste-to-hydrogen (WtH) technologies, this study emphasizes the dual benefits of enhanced waste management and clean energy generation, contributing to Bangladesh's energy diversification and alignment with global sustainability goals. This research identifies WtH as a viable pathway to reduce fossil fuel reliance, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and establish a circular economy in Bangladesh.