Hydrogen-based Technologies towards Energy-resilient Low-carbon Buildings: Opportunities and Challenges Review
Abstract
Towards low-carbon buildings with resilient energy performance, renewable energy resources and flexible energy assets play key roles in managing the electrical and heat demands. Hydrogen-based systems represent a promising solution through renewable hydrogen production and long-term storage. This paper systematically reviews 35 peer-reviewed studies (1990–2024) on hydrogen integration in buildings, focusing on demand-side management (DSM), optimization methods, and system performance. The review covers the environmental impacts, feasibility, and economic viability of integrating different hydrogen systems for supplying energy. Across critical reviews case studies, hydrogen supplementary systems achieved CO2 reductions between 12 % and 87 %, operational cost decreases of up to 40 %, and efficiency gains exceeding 80 %. Payback periods varied widely between 9 and 20 years, demonstrating high investment costs. Key gaps include limited field validation, economic feasibility, and public acceptance of hydrogen homes. One key area for future investigation is optimizing energy flows across production, storage, and demand, particularly in Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) applications. This review paper highlights opportunities, especially the potential of hydrogen system in decarbonization of buildings by long-term energy storage, barriers, and policy needs for implementing hydrogen technologies, in grid-connected and remote areas, to enhance sustainable and resilient buildings.