Authors
Schropp, Elke; Gaderer, Matthias
Abstract
Hydrogen plays an important role in the future energy system due to the increasing share of renewable energy. On the one hand, hydrogen can store surplus electricity using water electrolysis, but on the other hand, hydrogen can also contribute to the decarbonization of the heat and the mobility sector as well as the chemical industry. In order to contribute to the big target of limiting global warming and to reduce other environmental impacts, the hydrogen production technologies are analyzed using the life cycle assessment method. The technologies assessed are polymer electrolyte membran electrolysis (PEM), alkaline water electrolysis (AEL) and high-temperatur electrolysis with solid oxide cell (HTEL). With the life cycle assessment method, the environmental impacts of these three technologies are compared. Apart from global warming potential, many more categories like acidification and eutrophication can be assessed. Hydrogen production will take place in many countries all over the world in order to meet the increasing demands. Some countries will export and some countries will import hydrogen. Thus, different scenarios on different production locations and conditions are performed and compared.