Life cycle assessment of ISPRA Mark 9 thermochemical cycle for nuclear hydrogen production

Abstract

AbstractThe nuclear energy driven thermochemical cycle is one of the potential water‐splitting processes for producing hydrogen, presumed to be the transportation fuel of the future. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of one such system, which utilizes nuclear energy to drive the ISPRA Mark 9 thermochemical cycle, is presented in this paper. The results of the LCA are presented in terms of the emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2‐equivalent) and acid gases (SO2‐equivalent). The contributions of the thermochemical plant to the emissions were determined through the estimation of material and energy requirements for chemical inventory, raw materials consumption and plant fabrication/installation. The greenhouse gas emissions from the system are 2515 g CO2‐equivalent kg−1 H2 produced and acid gas emissions 11.252 g SO2‐equivalent kg−1 H2 produced. A comparison of this hydrogen production route with other routes, including steam reforming of methane and high‐temperature electrolysis, is also presented in the paper. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry