Application of Criteria for Hydrogen Transportation Refueling for Several Countries Considering Energy Resource and Use Implications

The transition to hydrogen-based transportation requires strategic evaluation of energy sources, infrastructure, and regional capabilities. This study investigates the feasibility of hydrogen refueling for ground transportation by implementing the established criteria for transitioning from conventional fuels to hydrogen. The United States and the United Kingdom serve as base case studies for defining six primary criteria: feedstock, production, storage, distribution, end-use applications, and policy considerations, including government incentives and public perception. These criteria are then applied to seven additional countries Japan, France, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, South Korea and China to test their adaptability across diverse geopolitical and energy contexts. The analysis provides a comparative assessment of hydrogen implementation strategies, focusing on technological pathways, environmental impact, economic viability, and infrastructure readiness. Furthermore, the study incorporates Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to evaluate the maturity of hydrogen systems within each country. The results highlight significant variation in hydrogen mobility potential due to differences in energy resource availability, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks. Countries with strong renewable energy portfolios and supportive regulatory environments exhibit greater readiness for hydrogen adoption. Conversely, regions lacking cohesive policy or infrastructure face steeper barriers to implementation. Overall, this research offers a structured, criteria-based framework to support decision-makers in designing context-specific hydrogen transportation strategies. It contributes to ongoing efforts in decarbonizing the transportation sector and provides a foundation for future investment and policy development in the global hydrogen economy.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Petroleum Engineering

Grantor

University of Houston

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Nwala, Vincent Nkem 1997-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ehlig-Economides, Christine

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Zargar, Zeinab
• Jae Lee, Kyung
• Ali, S. M. Farouq

• Petroleum engineering

Language dc:language.iso

English

Identifier URI

https://uh-ir.tdl.org/handle/10657/19831

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uh-ir.tdl.org:10657/19832