In the quest for a cleaner energy future, renewable hydrogen is emerging as a critical player, and a recent study is shedding light on how geospatial techniques could be the key to unlocking its full potential. Published in the journal *Applied Sciences* (translated from Spanish as *Applied Sciences*), the research, led by Gustavo Hernández-Herráez from the Department of Cartographic and Terrain Engineering at the Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, Universidad de Salamanca, offers a comprehensive look at the current state and future possibilities of geospatial applications across the hydrogen value chain.
The study, a systematic review based on the PRISMA methodology, reveals that while there’s a strong focus on production (48%), areas like storage (12%) and end-uses (18%) are relatively overlooked. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are currently dominating the scene, with 80% of applications focused on siting, potential assessment, and infrastructure planning. However, other techniques such as geophysics and real-time monitoring are starting to gain traction.
Hernández-Herráez and his team identified several research gaps that are hindering progress. “Fragmented and low-resolution data, lack of harmonization, and high computational demands are common challenges across the hydrogen value chain,” Hernández-Herráez explained. These issues are not only slowing down the deployment of renewable hydrogen but also making it less cost-competitive.
So, what does the future hold? The study points to several promising areas for research. Hydrological resource mapping for electrolysis, offshore infrastructure clustering, and spatialized levelized cost modeling are just a few examples. The ultimate goal? High-resolution, AI-enabled geospatial frameworks that can support automated, location-specific decision-making and scalable renewable hydrogen deployment.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the energy sector continues to grapple with the transition to renewable energy, renewable hydrogen is gaining traction as a versatile and clean energy vector. By leveraging geospatial techniques, companies can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and make more informed decisions about infrastructure planning and resource allocation.
Moreover, the study’s findings could have a ripple effect across the entire energy sector. By improving the efficiency and cost-competitiveness of renewable hydrogen, these geospatial techniques could accelerate the global shift towards cleaner energy sources. This could lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
In the words of Hernández-Herráez, “The future of renewable hydrogen lies in our ability to harness the power of geospatial techniques. By addressing the identified research gaps and investing in promising areas, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research serves as a timely reminder of the power of geospatial techniques. By embracing these tools, companies can not only optimize their operations but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The ball is now in the court of policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to act on these insights and drive the renewable hydrogen revolution forward.