Life cycle assessment of hydrogen energy systems: a review of methodological choices

Valente, António; Iribarren, Diego; Dufour, Javier

doi:10.1007/s11367-016-1156-z

Cited by 132 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 111 publications

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“…When focusing on hydrogen energy systems, numerous LCA studies are available in the current literature, with significant methodological differences between each other [11]. In fact, a harmonisation initiative specific to hydrogen energy systems has been undertaken [12][13][14][15], leading to LCA harmonisation protocols for three relevant life-cycle indicators: carbon footprint (global warming, GWP) [12], non-renewable energy footprint (cumulative fossil and nuclear energy demand CED) [13], and acidification (AP) [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen

2020

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The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is often used to check the environmental suitability of hydrogen energy systems, usually involving comparative studies. However, these comparative studies are typically affected by inconsistent methodological choices between the case studies under comparison. In this regard, protocols for the harmonisation of methodological choices in LCA of hydrogen are available. The step-by-step application of these protocols to a large number of case studies has already resulted in libraries of harmonised carbon, energy, and acidification footprints of hydrogen. In order to foster the applicability of these harmonisation protocols, a web-based software for the calculation of harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen has recently been developed. This work addresses—for the first time—the validation of such a tool by checking the deviation between the available libraries of harmonised carbon, energy, and acidification footprints of hydrogen and the corresponding tool-based harmonised results. A high correlation (R2 > 0.999) was found between the library- and tool-based harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen, thereby successfully validating the software. Hence, this tool has the potential to effectively promote the use of harmonised life-cycle indicators for robust comparative LCA studies of hydrogen energy systems, significantly mitigating misinterpretation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen

2020

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“…The number of LCA studies on H 2 production has increased rapidly in order to guide challenging decisions, address sustainability problems and help the selection between alternative technology paths (Valente et al, 2016). To date, a limited research is published on LCA of SOEC hydrogen production, addressing only the common environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and acidification potential.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eco-thermodynamics of hydrogen production by high-temperature electrolysis using solid oxide cells

Mehmeti

Angelis-Dimakis

Muñoz

et al. 2018

Journal of Cleaner Production

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In this study, Solar Energy Demand (SED), Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment (CEENE), and LCA-ReCiPe 2016 (using both midpoint and endpoint modeling) life cycle impact assessment methods has been used to assess the performance of hydrogen (H 2) production with renewable and non-renewable electricity sources via high-temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells. The analysis identified most relevant impact categories, life cycle stages, and processes, both from a thermodynamic and an environmental viewpoint. Electrolysis with nonrenewable energy is characterized by the greatest environmental burdens, however, renewable energy systems also have considerable environmental impacts, some of which are significant. While no perfect electricity source exists, a growing portion of the renewable-based electricity production in the grid mix is an attractive option to lower environmental impacts of H 2 production. Irrespective of the evaluation method, the contribution analysis from different life-cycle stages shows and confirm that the major contributor to the environmental burdens is the electricity supply. The manufacturing stage has high relevance for mineral and metal resources and toxicity-related impacts. Calculations of grid-based electrolysis life cycle environmental impacts in some European countries showed that significant variations. For example, global warming potential per kgH 2 produced vary between 3.31 and 48.24 kgCO 2. Trade-off analysis between the midpoint and endpoint indicators revealed that water consumption, global warming, and particulate matter formation, play a major role in the ranking of electricity supply options. The findings suggest that all potential impacts both at the midpoint and endpoint level should be considered to ensure robust results of the LCA evaluation, a fair comparison between pathways towards more transparent and evidence-based decisions. Towards that end, a further country site-specific assessment with optimization strategies and integration of traditional LCA with resource accounting (thermodynamic metrics) will need to be developed to explore additional valuable insights towards sustainable electrolytic H 2 production systems.

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“…As recently pointed out by a review study [4], many Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies assess environmental impacts of multi-stage hydrogen pathways, ranging from hydrogen production and storage to transport and utilization. Many studies consider hydrogen as a fuel for transport applications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Site-Dependent Environmental Impacts of Industrial Hydrogen Production by Alkaline Water Electrolysis

et al. 2017

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Industrial hydrogen production via alkaline water electrolysis (AEL) is a mature hydrogen production method. One argument in favor of AEL when supplied with renewable energy is its environmental superiority against conventional fossil-based hydrogen production. However, today electricity from the national grid is widely utilized for industrial applications of AEL. Also, the ban on asbestos membranes led to a change in performance patterns, making a detailed assessment necessary. This study presents a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the GaBi software (version 6.115, thinkstep, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany), revealing inventory data and environmental impacts for industrial hydrogen production by latest AELs (6 MW, Zirfon membranes) in three different countries (Austria, Germany and Spain) with corresponding grid mixes. The results confirm the dependence of most environmental effects from the operation phase and specifically the site-dependent electricity mix. Construction of system components and the replacement of cell stacks make a minor contribution. At present, considering the three countries, AEL can be operated in the most environmentally friendly fashion in Austria. Concerning the construction of AEL plants the materials nickel and polytetrafluoroethylene in particular, used for cell manufacturing, revealed significant contributions to the environmental burden.

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Life cycle assessment of hydrogen energy systems: a review of methodological choices

Cited by 132 publications

References 111 publications

Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen

Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen

Eco-thermodynamics of hydrogen production by high-temperature electrolysis using solid oxide cells

Site-Dependent Environmental Impacts of Industrial Hydrogen Production by Alkaline Water Electrolysis

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