Challenges in Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint of Hydrogen

Abstract

An analysis of existing methodological approaches to assessing the life cycle of hydrogen was carried out to determine the level of impact of hydrogen technologies on the environment, including an assessment of their carbon footprint. The features of determining the boundaries of the system, functional unit and other aspects of life cycle assessment are presented. Taking into account the specifics of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation, the carbon footprint of hydrogen was assessed using 5 technologies: steam reforming of natural gas (methane), water electrolysis, gasification of coal and biomass, methane pyrolysis. The results indicate the fundamental importance of the method of electricity production in the comparative assessment of hydrogen production technologies.