Pulsed power applied to electrolysis offers a potential method for efficient hydrogen production which has not been comprehensively studied to date. Pulsed and plasma electrolysis are introduced and previous research assessed. Electrolysis use in potential space or aerospace applications is substantially weight and volume sensitive. Pulsed plasma electrolysis is able to far exceed the Faradaic limit on electrolysis at very high surface current densities presenting the opportunity to reduce electrode mass and volume. Pulse generation technology is introduced and challenges inherent in application to electrolysis outlined. (C) 2015 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.