Animals (Aug 2023)

Toward Sustainability: An Overview of the Use of Green Hydrogen in the Agriculture and Livestock Sector

  • Alessandra Maganza,
  • Alice Gabetti,
  • Paolo Pastorino,
  • Anna Zanoli,
  • Benedetto Sicuro,
  • Damià Barcelò,
  • Alberto Cesarani,
  • Alessandro Dondo,
  • Marino Prearo,
  • Giuseppe Esposito

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162561
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 16
p. 2561

Abstract

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The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture, renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce GHG emissions. Hydrogen production is a promising energy technology, but its deployment in the global energy system is lagging. Here, we analyzed the theoretical and practical application of green hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources, in the agro-livestock sector. Green hydrogen is at an early stage of development in most applications, and barriers to its large-scale deployment remain. Appropriate policies and financial incentives could make it a profitable technology for the future.

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