Review on Dark Fermentative Biohydrogen Production: Current Status and Future Perspectives on Next-Generation Strategies

With rapid urbanization and population growth, the global energy demand has intensified, stressing fossil-based fuel reserves and associated climate concerns. Biohydrogen production via dark fermentation of waste feedstock emerges as a sustainable alternative, offering high energy efficiency, waste valorization, and minimal environmental complications. This review provides a critical and in-depth look at the recent advancements in dark fermentative hydrogen production, focusing on strategies such as substrate pretreatment, addition of conductive materials, and volatilization of fermentation byproducts. It also explores policy initiatives promoting green hydrogen production and identifies challenges hindering biohydrogen commercialization. This review emphasizes that research and development, augmented with policy interventions, are essential for the commercialization of biohydrogen for a sustained future.