Global hydrogen economy and hydrogen technologies: A new path to economic sustainability in the era of renewable energy

• This review highlights the socioeconomic impact of the hydrogen economy transition. • It provides in-depth knowledge on the policy frameworks for sustainable hydrogen development. • In addition, it explores hydrogen's role in industry, jobs, and energy equity. • Further, it highlights Saudi Vision 2030 and hydrogen policy initiatives. • Finally, it provides global case studies and guidelines for stakeholders. Energy transition to sustainable energy sources has become one of the most important objectives of the 21st century, due to the twin challenges of energy security and climate change mitigation. This transition will provide energy that is clean and reliable and cost-effective and efficient. This review explores the socio-economic implications of the hydrogen economy transition in terms of technological advancements, policies, and their impact on the social structure and the achievements of the sustainable development goals (SDG). Furthermore, this review evaluates the potential for hydrogen to revolutionize multiple industries through creating jobs and reducing energy inequality, and highlight the challenges related to providing equal access to hydrogen and mitigating the effects of socio-economic disparities. With the role of policy frameworks, the review emphasizes the need for integrated approaches that promote both economic growth and sustainable development while also addressing the issue of social equity. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the Saudi Vision 2030, the SDGs, and the various policy initiatives and frameworks in Saudi Arabia that have been put into place to support hydrogen advancement. The review also provides an in-depth overview of the hydrogen production technologies. Finally, the review provides information on the existing global hydrogen economies, and current trends, to illustrate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the hydrogen economy and to provide practical guidance to policymakers, industry professionals and academics. The review concludes by endorsing a transition to the hydrogen economy that is socially just and equitable so that the benefits of the hydrogen economy can promote a sustainable and economically viable future.