A recent review led by Professor Fatwa F. Abdi from the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has outlined a transformative approach to solar-driven hydrogen production. Published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology, the paper reimagines solar water electrolysis not merely as a hydrogen generation process, but as a versatile platform for sustainable chemical manufacturing.

The review challenges the current perception of solar electrolysis as a cost-intensive technology, arguing instead that by integrating high-value chemical syntheses, the process can evolve into an economically viable clean-energy industry. It presents a blueprint for using sunlight to produce not just hydrogen but also valuable industrial chemicals through greener, more profitable methods.

Today’s chemical industry remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes. The study proposes an alternative pathway: replacing conventional oxygen-evolution reactions in electrolysis with reactions that generate commercially valuable by-products—for instance, bioplastic precursors or specialty chemicals. Simultaneously, hydrogen produced can be used directly in situ to convert raw materials into useful compounds, enhancing efficiency and profitability.

Professor Abdi emphasises the importance of aligning technology design with market needs. Large, centralised solar facilities, he notes, are best suited for the mass production of low-cost, high-demand chemicals, while smaller, decentralised units can target high-value, low-volume specialty goods such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

“What we are suggesting is a cleaner chemical industry that doesn’t just cut emissions but also stays economically viable,” says Professor Abdi. “When solar electrolysis is transformed into a chemical reactor, it can generate multiple products and effectively pay for itself.”

While laboratory-scale demonstrations have shown promise, the review highlights the challenge of scaling up these systems. The authors call for investment in pilot-scale projects and the adoption of advanced tools such as computer modelling and artificial intelligence to accelerate development and optimise system performance.

The paper also underscores the need for supportive policy measures—including carbon pricing, green chemistry subsidies, and targeted tax incentives—to ensure the commercial viability of these technologies.

“This is the moment to align scientific innovation with market realities,” Professor Abdi concludes, signalling a pivotal shift towards a profitable and sustainable solar-chemical industry that integrates environmental and economic goals.

Source:

https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/10/06/news/a-bold-new-blueprint-for-economically-viable-solar-hydrogen