Hydrogen in the Energy Transition: Technological Maturity, Challenges and the Expectation–Reality Gap

In the pursuit of decarbonization and energy sustainability, hydrogen has emerged as an energy carrier with potential relevance to the energy transition. Its importance derives from advantages such as clean combustion, high energy density, and versatility compared with conventional fuels. Although numerous studies have investigated hydrogen production technologies and its role as the “energy of the future,” integrated analyses addressing production pathways, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and its potential influence on the global energy sector remain limited. This study provides a descriptive synthesis of hydrogen as an energy carrier based on systematic bibliographic procedures and inductive and deductive analysis, examining its role in the energy transition, indicators of its consolidation, challenges, limitations, and prospects. The findings indicate that the contribution of hydrogen to decarbonization strongly depends on its production pathway. While green hydrogen offers significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, current hydrogen production remains predominantly dependent on fossil-based pathways. In addition, challenges throughout the hydrogen value chain, particularly in production, storage, transportation, and utilization, constrain overall efficiency and large-scale deployment. Technological advances and appropriate government policies may, however, support its consolidation as a key component of the energy transition.