Hydrogen Production from Coalbed Methane Using Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Conversion Pathways

The vision for global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has intensified the demand for sustainable and low-carbon energy resources. Within this context, recent discoveries of substantial methane (CH4) reserves, coupled with the rapidly growing interest in hydrogen (H2) as a clean energy carrier, have underscored the strategic importance of developing efficient and economically viable technologies for methane conversion. This current review investigates hydrogen production specifically from coalbed methane (CBM), a methane-rich unconventional gas resource embedded in coal seams. Both catalytic and non-catalytic pathways for hydrogen generation are reviewed, including steam methane reforming (SMR), partial oxidation (POX), autothermal reforming (ATR), direct methane decomposition (DMD), and plasma-assisted pyrolysis. Catalytic processes such as SMR remain the most mature and cost-effective, though they emit significant CO2 unless integrated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Non-catalytic routes, including thermal and plasma-based decomposition, offer CO2-free hydrogen generation while producing solid carbon byproducts with potential commercial value. Hybrid coal–CBM systems are also discussed as integrated approaches for improving energy efficiency and resource utilization. The techno-economic assessment compares hydrogen yield, production cost, and environmental impact across methods, emphasizing the advantages of CBM as a high-purity methane source. Case studies, particularly from China, highlight the practical potential of CBM in supporting hydrogen infrastructure. The paper concludes that catalytic routes such as SMR are the most commercially mature and cost-effective but remain CO2-intensive unless coupled with carbon capture and storage. Non-catalytic approaches, including direct methane decomposition and plasma pyrolysis, enable CO2-free hydrogen generation while yielding solid carbon byproducts of potential commercial value, though they are less developed. Hybrid coal–CBM systems offer a balanced pathway to improve efficiency, resource utilization, and sustainability in future hydrogen production strategies.