# Quantitative Modelling of Biohydrogen Production from Indian Agricultural Residues via Dark Fermentation

## TL;DR

This study models how much biohydrogen can be produced in India from agricultural waste, showing a big increase with pretreatment methods.

## Contribution

The study quantitatively models biohydrogen potential from Indian crop residues and identifies key states and pretreatment benefits.

## Key findings

- Annual bioH2 potential from crop residues is ~103 PJ without pretreatment and ~300 PJ with pretreatment.
- Pretreatment methods like acid, alkali, or heat significantly enhance biohydrogen production.
- West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are top states for surplus crop residues.

## Abstract

BioH2, a modern biofuel with clean energy attributes and effective waste management capabilities, emerges as a promising energy source. This study employs quantitative modelling to evaluate India's bioH2 production potential from major crop residues. Among the seven selected crop residues, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka stand out as the top three states with surplus crop residues. The annual estimated bioH2 generation potential, without pretreatment, reaches approximately 103 PJ, a figure that soars to around 300 PJ with pretreatment, representing a remarkable 191 % improvement. The study underscores the effectiveness of pretreatment methods involving acid, alkali, or heat in enhancing bioH2 production. Despite these promising findings, efficiency‐related challenges, including temperature, pH, and pretreatment factors, are recognised. The study proposes further research and decentralised production projects as potential strategies to address these challenges, enhancing India's energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This study employs quantitative modelling to assess India's biohydrogen (BioH2) potential from crop residues, revealing a 191 % production boost with pretreatment, reaching ~300 PJ annually. Key surplus‐producing states are identified, highlighting BioH2’s role in energy security and fossil fuel reduction. Findings support sustainable, decentralised production, strengthening India's clean energy future.