Renewable energy-driven hydrogen production: Advancing methanation technologies for a sustainable future in Bangladesh
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
The green hydrogen-based economy offers a sustainable solution to the problems caused by over-reliance on fossil fuels. This study is the first to establish the strategic potential of renewable energy-driven hydrogen and methanation in Bangladesh, integrating renewable resources, CO₂ capture, and comparative methanation pathways. Its novelty is reinforced by techno-economic and life-cycle assessments with a Bangladesh-specific policy roadmap, positioning catalytic methanation as a strong pathway for sustainable energy transition. Research suggests that biomass residues produce ashes after burning, containing 125–414 gCO2/kg and releasing 400–500 gCO2/kg after the incineration process in Bangladesh. Therefore, carbon capture and its utilization in the methanation process is a possible solution for mitigating CO2 emissions. The study also discusses the methanation process, which is actively being investigated and examined using chemical, biological, and photocatalytic methods, with an emphasis on the importance of different catalysts for converting CO2 into CH4. The costs associated with generating CH4 biologically are roughly 2.5 times greater in the cases connected to catalytic methanation for bigger plants of more than 100 MW. Therefore, it seems as though catalytic methanation is more practical and relatively affordable to implement in a country like Bangladesh to achieve sustainable development goals. Finally, the challenges and prospects of renewably powered hydrogen production for energy security in Bangladesh have been discussed.
Keywords
Bangladesh, carbon capture, green hydrogen production, methanation, power-to-methane
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
E-ISSN
15732975
ISSN
1387585X
Publication Title
Environment, Development and Sustainability
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Engineering
Copyright
subscription content
Recommended Citation
Mohtasim, M. S., Paul, U. K., Das, P., Hossain, M. S., Kibria, M. G., & Das, B. K. (2026). Renewable energy-driven hydrogen production: Advancing methanation technologies for a sustainable future in Bangladesh. Environment, Development and Sustainability. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-026-08123-5