An overview of non-carbonaceous and renewable-powered technologies for green hydrogen production in South Africa: Keywords occurrence analysis

The recent need for sustainable energy to balance supply and demand with decarbonisation benefits drives interest in green hydrogen for socio-economic growth. However, the barriers associated with green hydrogen technologies and production routes make acceptability into the South African energy sector uncertain. Therefore, this study comprehensively reviewed non-carbonaceous and renewable-powered technologies for green hydrogen production. Keywords of 7702 obtained from 944 related published articles (2013–2023) were refined to 644 keywords with a limit of 10 occurrences. The contemporary trend of keywords was analyzed to facilitate research interest in green hydrogen production routes, advanced technologies and policies to curb South Africa's coal-carbon neutrality economy. The strengths and weaknesses of integrating renewable energy with hydrogen production technology using biomass and water as feedstocks and other catalysts were discussed. With its challenges and prospects, the transitional phase was highlighted to address the challenges and prospects of green hydrogen technology inclusion in the South African energy sector. It was elucidated that South Africa has resource advantages to promote the market value of green hydrogen by formulating evidence-based policies and capacitating technological competence. Also, exploring solar-powered water electrolysis and its economic and environmental impact presents a technological solution to decarbonize the country's coal-based energy sector and turn it into a green hydrogen-driven economy.