Obiajulu Zion Chukwudi1, Ibrahim Ayinla Mahmud2, Atobatele Oluwatobi Idris3, Moses Adondua Abah4, Micheal Oladosu Abimbola4 and Ochuele Dominic Agida4

1Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

2School of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Greater Manchester, Bolton, United Kingdom

3Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

4ResearchHub Nexus Institute, Nigeria

() Corresponding Author: Moses Adondua abah; m.abah@fuwukari.edu.ng

Received: May 1, 2026/ Revised: June 1, 2026/Accepted: June 2, 2026

Highlights

  • Reviews advances in hydrogen, bioelectrochemical systems, and advanced biofuels.
  • Evaluates their roles in decarbonization and sustainable energy transitions.
  • Highlights green hydrogen production for industrial, transport, and power sectors.
  • Explores bioelectrochemical systems for energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
  • Discusses challenges and opportunities for achieving global net-zero energy goals.
Abstract

The global transition toward a low-carbon future has intensified the search for sustainable and efficient alternatives to fossil-based energy systems. Among the emerging solutions, hydrogen technologies, bioelectrochemical systems (BES), and advanced biofuels have attracted significant attention because of their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and support circular bioeconomy strategies. This review examines recent advances in these technologies and their contributions to sustainable energy development and decarbonization. Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources is highlighted as a promising pathway for clean fuel generation, particularly for transportation, industrial processes, and power applications. The review also explores the role of bioelectrochemical systems, including microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells, in simultaneous energy recovery, wastewater treatment, and carbon reduction. In addition, the development of advanced biofuels derived from non-food biomass, algae, and waste materials is discussed with emphasis on improved conversion technologies, lifecycle carbon reduction, and applications in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and heavy transport. Furthermore, the integration of these technologies within renewable energy frameworks and circular economy models is critically evaluated. Despite substantial progress, challenges related to production cost, infrastructure, scalability, and policy implementation continue to limit widespread adoption. The review concludes that continued technological innovation, supportive regulatory frameworks, and strategic investment are essential for accelerating the deployment of hydrogen systems, BES, and advanced biofuels toward achieving global low-carbon and net-zero energy goals.

Keywords: Hydrogen energy, Bioelectrochemical systems, Advanced biofuels, Decarbonization, Renewable energy and Low-carbon future

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How to cite this article

Chukwudi, O. Z., Mahmud, I. A., Idris, A. O., Abah, M. A., Abimbola, M. O., & Agida, O. D. (2026). Advances in hydrogen, bioelectrochemical systems, and advanced biofuels for a low-carbon future. Chemical and Environmental Science Archives, 6(3), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.47587/CESA.2026.6301

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