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Two Decades of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): A Review

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  • Khaled M. A. Salim

    (School of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Ruhanita Maelah

    (School of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Hawa Hishamuddin

    (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Amizawati Mohd Amir

    (School of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman

    (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to draw a comprehensive image of the relationship between life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) impact using the three dimensions, namely life cycle costing (LCC), life cycle assessment (LCA), and social life cycle (SLC), and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). By systematically reviewing and analyzing 43 articles from 17 different peer-reviewed journals between 1998 and 2021, the analysis shows that SOFC-related applications may substantially contribute to a cleaner energy sector in the future via high-level temperature power generation. The result indicated that SOFCs have better implications for environmental performance, as well as being the least cost-effective option for commercially competitive purposes. The review revealed several gaps in the literature; several studies assessed LCA using particular or very few indicators, and the few indicators may not sufficiently assess the environmental impact of SOFCs. Further, limited studies shed the light on the association between SLC and SOFCs. Future LCSA studies ought to adopt dynamic criteria, especially environmental impact analysis considering social and economic factors, to enable a feasible comparison of results. Future studies should also target various industrial sectors in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Khaled M. A. Salim & Ruhanita Maelah & Hawa Hishamuddin & Amizawati Mohd Amir & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman, 2022. "Two Decades of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12380-:d:928687
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    References listed on IDEAS

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