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Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen: A Systematic Review of Methodological Choices

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  • Gustavo Ezequiel Martinez

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), EnergyVille, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Roel Degens

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), EnergyVille, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Gabriela Espadas-Aldana

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), EnergyVille, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Daniele Costa

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), EnergyVille, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Giuseppe Cardellini

    (Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), EnergyVille, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

Abstract

This systematic review examines methodological choices in assessing hydrogen production and utilisation technologies using prospective life cycle assessments (LCA) between 2010 and 2022, following PRISMA guidelines. The review analysed 32 peer-reviewed articles identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and BASE. The study reveals a significant gap in the consistent application of prospective LCA methodologies for emerging hydrogen technologies. Most studies employed attributional approaches, often lacking prospective elements in life cycle inventory (LCI) modelling. Although some initiatives to integrate forward-looking components were noted, there was often lack of clarity in defining LCA objectives, technology readiness level (TRL), and upscaling methods. Of the 22 studies that focused on emerging hydrogen technologies, few detailed upscaling methods. Additionally, the review identified common issues, such as the limited use of prospective life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, inadequate data quality evaluation, and insufficient sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. These findings highlight the substantial gaps in modelling low-TRL hydrogen technologies and the need for more robust, comprehensive approaches to assess uncertainties. The review also identified common practices and areas for improvement to enhance the reliability and relevance of hydrogen technology environmental assessments.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustavo Ezequiel Martinez & Roel Degens & Gabriela Espadas-Aldana & Daniele Costa & Giuseppe Cardellini, 2024. "Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen: A Systematic Review of Methodological Choices," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4297-:d:1465698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Schaubroeck & Simon Schaubroeck & Reinout Heijungs & Alessandra Zamagni & Miguel Brandão & Enrico Benetto, 2021. "Attributional & Consequential Life Cycle Assessment: Definitions, Conceptual Characteristics and Modelling Restrictions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-47, July.
    2. Tsiklios, C. & Hermesmann, M. & Müller, T.E., 2022. "Hydrogen transport in large-scale transmission pipeline networks: Thermodynamic and environmental assessment of repurposed and new pipeline configurations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).
    3. Rickard Arvidsson & Anne‐Marie Tillman & Björn A. Sandén & Matty Janssen & Anders Nordelöf & Duncan Kushnir & Sverker Molander, 2018. "Environmental Assessment of Emerging Technologies: Recommendations for Prospective LCA," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(6), pages 1286-1294, December.
    4. Ritchey, Tom, 2018. "General morphological analysis as a basic scientific modelling method," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 81-91.
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