Impact of Metal-based Hydrogen Production on the Hydrogen Energy Industry Chain

Metal-steam thermochemical hydrogen production technology (referred to as metal-based hydrogen production) utilizes the reaction between metals and steam to efficiently produce green hydrogen, offering advantages such as convenient hydrogen production, mild production conditions, abundant metal raw materials, low transportation costs, and high safety. This paper systematically analyzes the disruptive impact of this technology on the four segments of the hydrogen energy industry chain—"production-storage-transportation-utilization"—and explores its advantages in terms of cost, safety, and reliability. Research indicates that metal-based hydrogen production technology is expected to reshape the structure of the hydrogen energy industry chain, significantly reduce the cost of hydrogen use, and provide key technical support for the large-scale application of hydrogen energy and the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. It is projected that by 2030, the cost of metal-based hydrogen production will drop below $2.19/kg, making it competitive with renewable energy electrolysis for water splitting.