Sustainable hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass: bridging technology innovations, policy frameworks, and net-zero pathways

Hydrogen is recognized as an environmentally sustainable energy source. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) offers a carbon–neutral pathway for hydrogen production. However, overcoming biomass recalcitrance, optimizing process efficiency, and aligning with policy frameworks remain critical challenges. To bridge this gap, this review critically analyzes thermochemical and biotechnological pathways for lignocellulosic biomass (LB)-to-hydrogen conversion, integrating techno-economic assessment and life cycle assessment to identify viable strategies for a net-zero hydrogen economy. Key findings from a techno-economic perspective reveal that gasification as the most technologically mature (TRL 8-9), producing hydrogen at $1.4–2.2/kg for large-scale plants, while dark fermentation (TRL 5-6) achieves yields of 2.83 mol H₂/mol hexose via optimized microbial consortia. Pyrolysis ($2.1–2.8/kg) and photo-fermentation ($3.5/kg) follow in cost competitiveness. Hybrid systems (e.g., gasification with microbial electrolysis) further reduce costs to $1.8/kg by valorizing residual carbon. Besides, performing a life cycle assessment of these processes could significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with existing industrial practices. Beyond technical and environmental metrics, this review bridges innovations in genetic engineering, machine learning, and blockchain-enabled supply chains with policy frameworks to outline a coherent strategy for scaling biorefining systems. Cross-cutting strategies, such as insect gut-inspired biocatalysis, oxygen–tolerant enzyme engineering, and AI-assisted process control, are examined for their potential to overcome longstanding bottlenecks in pretreatment, microbial efficiency, and system integration. This work provides a multi-dimensional framework to guide researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in advancing a sustainable, economically viable, and policy-supported lignocellulosic hydrogen economy.