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Life cycle assessment of green hydrogen supply chains for vehicle use in China

Author

Listed:
  • Ren, Wenxuan
  • Cao, Yuwei
  • Yang, Qing
  • Zhang, Zongyue
  • Wang, Qingrui
  • Nie, Xiaowen
  • Huang, Junling

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions from long-haul freight vehicles is key and challenging for decarbonizing China's transportation sector. Hydrogen-powered vehicles (HVs) offer a promising solution with extended range and quick refueling. However, from a sustainability perspective, there is hardly any comprehensive nor detailed environmental analysis of green hydrogen supply chains (GHSC) based on actual scenario in China. This study examines the life cycle environmental impacts of eight typical GHSC in China, including hydrogen production, delivery, and refueling. Results show that wind-powered proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis and pipeline delivery have significant benefits for endpoint-level impacts, along with the lowest carbon emissions. Noticeable variations show in midpoint-level impacts: fossil resource scarcity (FRS) ranges from 1.36 to 2.18 oil-eq/kg H2, global warming potential (GWP) from 4.96 to 7.74 kg CO2-eq/kg H2, fine particulate matter formation (FPM) from 0.0089 to 0.015kg PM2.5-eq/kg H2, and mineral resource scarcity (MRS) from 0.05 to 0.09 kg Cu-eq/kg H2. Wind-based pathways show about 30 % lower FRS, GWP and FPM than photovoltaics pathways but increase MRS by 26 %. Gas-hydrogen tube trailers cause 2–3 times higher FRS than pipelines. Sensitivity analysis identifies water electrolysis efficiency as the key to reducing environmental impacts. This study provides valuable insights to benefit policymakers worldwide in designing the GHSC.

Suggested Citation

  • Ren, Wenxuan & Cao, Yuwei & Yang, Qing & Zhang, Zongyue & Wang, Qingrui & Nie, Xiaowen & Huang, Junling, 2026. "Life cycle assessment of green hydrogen supply chains for vehicle use in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pd:s0960148125017574
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124093
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    References listed on IDEAS

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