Hydrogen Production from Rice Husk: Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Analysis

The abundance of rice husk in some regions of Southeast Asia makes it a potential feedstock for hydrogen synthesis. However, the information on economic and environmental feasibility of its conversion to hydrogen is lacking. This study aims to assess the techno-economic and life cycle sustainability of hydrogen production from rice husk via the thermochemical gasification method. The techno-economic analyses reveal that rice husk-based hydrogen conversion is more financially attractive than conventional hydrogen production technology. The results of the life cycle assessment are also promising, especially with the global warming potential of the rice husk-based hydrogen production being 99.7 % lower than that of natural gas steam reforming. Waste valorization of rice husk into hydrogen is therefore economically and environmentally viable.