Researchers have unveiled a new concept that could transform industrial hemp into a multi-purpose crop capable of producing green hydrogen, bioenergy products and high-value therapeutic compounds from a single cultivation cycle. The proposed biorefinery model aims to combine clean energy generation with pharmaceutical production while ensuring that every part of the crop is utilised.
The concept was developed by Dr. Babak Baban and Dr. Lei P. Wang of Augusta University through their biotechnology startup, Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC. Detailed in a hypothesis published in Frontiers in Plant Science, the proposal outlines how genetically engineered industrial hemp could support both the clean energy and healthcare sectors, Hemp Gazette reported.
At the heart of the model is the modification of chloroplasts, the structures within plants responsible for producing energy through photosynthesis. Researchers propose engineering these chloroplasts to direct photosynthetic activity toward the production of molecular hydrogen during the plant’s vegetative growth stage. Once the crop enters its flowering phase, the same plants would produce therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes.
The proposed system follows a three-stage harvesting process designed to create a circular, zero-waste production model. During the first stage, green hydrogen would be captured while the plants are actively growing. The second stage would focus on harvesting cannabinoids and terpenes for pharmaceutical applications. In the final stage, the remaining biomass would be converted into industrial fibre, textiles and biochar, a carbon-rich material used for long-term carbon storage.
Researchers believe industrial hemp offers several advantages over other biological hydrogen production systems. According to the proposal, hemp can generate two to three times more biomass than green algae or cyanobacteria, which are commonly explored for biohydrogen production.
The study also highlights the economic potential of the concept. The proposed model estimates a net present value ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per hectare over a 20-year period, significantly higher than many competing systems. Researchers project that commercial operations could achieve a break-even point within three to five years, compared with seven to twelve years for algae-based alternatives.
Another advantage cited in the proposal is the existence of an established industrial hemp market. Valued at approximately $7.5 billion globally and expected to grow to $27.7 billion by 2033, the sector already benefits from substantial agricultural and processing infrastructure. Unlike corn-based ethanol production, hemp cultivation also avoids direct competition with food crops.
According to the researchers, revenue generated from pharmaceutical cannabinoids could help offset the cost of producing green hydrogen, potentially improving the commercial viability of bioenergy projects based on hemp.
Despite its promise, the concept remains at the hypothesis stage and faces several technical and regulatory hurdles. Researchers note that stable genetic modification techniques for industrial hemp must still be developed, while regulatory approval processes for genetically modified crops will also need to be addressed.
To move the idea forward, the team has proposed a phased development strategy that would begin with proof-of-concept studies in model plants before advancing to hemp-specific applications. The researchers are also seeking collaborations with partners in the pharmaceutical and energy industries to explore commercial development opportunities.
If successfully developed, the proposed hemp biorefinery could offer a new pathway for integrating renewable energy production, bioenergy development and pharmaceutical manufacturing within a single agricultural system.
