폐기물 및 바이오매스 가스화를 통한 수소 생산 기술의 최신 동향과 전망

Recent Advances and Perspectives on Gasification Technologies for Waste and Biomass

Gasification of waste and biomass is gaining attention as a hydrogen production pathway that can simultaneously address energy security and carbon neutrality. Unlike conventional incineration, gasification efficiently converts diverse feedstocks into hydrogen-rich syngas with reduced environmental impacts. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in hydrogen production technologies based on waste and biomass gasification. The gasification reaction mechanisms—comprising drying, pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction—and the corresponding hydrogen formation pathways are summarized. The effects of key operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, equivalence ratio, and type of gasifying agent on hydrogen yield are analyzed. Furthermore, the roles of nickel-based, calcium-based, and biochar-derived catalysts in tar reduction and hydrogen selectivity enhancement are discussed. Various reactor configurations—including fixed-bed, fluidized-bed, plasma, and chemical looping gasifiers—are compared in terms of their advantages and limitations, and the feasibility of integrated processes is evaluated. In conclusion, hydrogen production from waste and biomass gasification is not merely a waste treatment technology but a strategic solution capable of enabling regional decentralized energy hubs, decarbonization of industry and transport sectors, and realization of a circular economy.