Gasification of agricultural residual biomass, a vector in a possible production of green hydrogen

The paper analyzes the energy potential of agricultural waste in Europe, emphasizing its importance in the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy. It highlights that energy recovery from agricultural residues represents one of the most promising ways to valorize resources by reducing waste and producing renewable energy. Pyrolysis and, especially, gasification technologies are discussed as efficient methods for obtaining green hydrogen in significant proportions. While wood gasification has reached an industrial level, with high yields and synthesis gas quality, agricultural biomass is still at the pilot stage. The paper presents an analytical model of fixed-bed gasification processes and experimental investigations carried out on agricultural biomass representative of the EU. The results demonstrate the high potential of agricultural residues as a renewable energy source and as a vector for green hydrogen production, providing valuable insights into the energy characteristics of agricultural waste and the related costs of synthesis gas generation. • Agricultural residues were evaluated as renewable feedstock for sustainable hydrogen production. • An analytical model for autothermal fixed-bed gasification using air was developed. • Model–experiment agreement was validated on a 4 kW pilot unit for straw and corn residues. • Optimal conditions (850–1100 °C, 10–20% humidity) increased H 2 yield and process efficiency. • The study demonstrates a decentralized and viable pathway for green hydrogen generation from agricultural biomass.