HYDROGEN AS A DECARBONIZATION VECTOR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF ITS POTENTIAL FOR MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN INDUSTRIAL AND TRANSPORTATION SECTORS

The escalating global environmental crisis, predominantly driven by anthropogenic activities, necessitates an urgent and comprehensive paradigm shift away from conventional energy sources. Fossil fuels, which are implicated in a significant proportion approximately 89% of current global pollution, continue to exacerbate climate change, air quality degradation, and ecological destabilization. This underscores the pressing need for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Among these, hydrogen gas has emerged as a pivotal contender in the energy transition landscape. This paper presents a systematic review of hydrogen’s multifaceted potential to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of both the industrial and transportation sectors. Emphasis is placed on hydrogen's zero-emission combustion characteristics, alongside its synergistic integration with advanced fuel cell technologies, which enhance efficiency and scalability. In addition, the review critically evaluates the environmental and socio-economic benefits inherent in the development of a robust and inclusive hydrogen economy. The transition to hydrogen as a primary energy vector is posited not only as a technically feasible solution but also as a strategic imperative for redressing ecological imbalances and fostering long-term global sustainability