* Corresponding author: Fawad Saleem Satti Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. Exploring the potential of biohydrogen as a sustainable energy solution for Pakistan: A review of production processes and policy challenges Fawad Saleem Satti * , Muhammad Awais Munawar, Danish Rafaqat, Danish Zahoor and Khurrum Shehzad Quraishi Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Science (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(01), 2663–2669 Publication history: Received on 06 September 2024; revised on 04 October 2024; accepted on 17 October 2024 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.1966 Abstract Due to growing carbon dioxide emissions and the depletion of fossil-based energy sources, international studies have been focusing more intensely on developing hydrogen as a source of renewable energy. Biohydrogen is an exciting and green alternative energy source with various different benefits. Unlike traditional energy sources, biohydrogen production does not emit pollutants, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Biohydrogen generation, particularly from microalgae and other low-cost biomass feedstocks, so offers the dual benefit of delivering clean electricity while absorbing Carbon Dioxide. This research investigates the possibility of biohydrogen as a sustainable energy solution for Pakistan's climate issue. We examine the current state of biohydrogen generation technologies, such as dark fermentation, photo fermentation, bio photolysis, with a focus on their potential application in Pakistan. The study investigates global advances in biohydrogen research and their significance in Pakistan, demonstrating biohydrogen's potential contribution to Pakistan's energy independence and environmental targets, as well as the practical and policy-related challenges that must be addressed to advance biohydrogen energy generation and wider adoption. Keywords: Biohydrogen; Renewable energy; Microalgae; Carbon dioxide reduction; Sustainable energy 1. Introduction Pakistan, a country of more than 230 million people, is dealing with the twin issues of energy constraint and the growing effects of climate change[1]. The country is very exposed to climate change, with its geographical and socioeconomic circumstances making it among the most climate-sensitive countries in the world. Pakistan is currently facing serious events caused by climate change such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which had severe impacts on agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and public health. These issues are made worse by Pakistan's rising energy demands, which are largely fulfilled through fossil fuels. The dependence on fossil fuels not only adds to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but it also worsens local air pollution, causing serious risks to health. Pakistan's dependence on imported energy sources, which account for about a third of its resources, including oil, coal, and LNG, offers long-term difficulties to energy security[2]. The country's reliance on an import-driven energy policy is depleting its foreign exchange reserves and making it vulnerable to international energy price fluctuations, leading to inflationary pressures that could undermine export competitiveness and economic stability. To tackle energy insecurity and ensure long-term sustainability, we recommend transitioning to green energy solutions such as distributed solar power and smart metering, along with enforcing building insulation standards.