The hydrogen (H2) economy has been recognized globally from a socio-economic, and environmental viewpoint. Hydrogen can be produced using technologies such as electrolysis, thermochemical, photoelectrochemical, and biological methods. Biological methods help in waste management and energy production simultaneously. To make the biohydrogen process economic and viable at a commercial scale there is a need to utilize renewable raw materials efficiently. Improved reactor designs and advanced genetic improvements using metabolic pathways developments are mandated to improve microbial adaptation to the harsh process conditions. Finally, this review aimed to fill the void among technical and applied research and review the current advances in genetic engineering and metabolic pathway developments to improve H2 productivity. •Hydrogen is an efficient and renewable source of energy.•Lignocellulosic and organic waste is a futuristic source of hydrogen production.•Waste management with energy production can be achieved simultaneously.•The significance of molecular engineering and synthetic biology are discussed.•There is a need to work on integrated technologies and improved reactor design.