Life cycle analysis of a hydrogen production system based on solid oxide electrolysis cells integrated with different energy and wastewater sources

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-01, Vol.52 (PD), p.485-501
• Main Authors: Jolaoso, Lateef A., Duan, Chuancheng, Kazempoor, Pejman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: fossil fuel assets; life-cycle analysis; solar energy; solid oxide electrolysis cell; wastewater
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.07.129

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a promising and evolving technology. The solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is one of the several technologies for this purpose. They are alternatives to the traditional hydrogen production from fossil fuels to enhance global energy decarbonization. However, in the bid for sustainability and a green economy, these technologies are not free from causing some environmental burdens. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), the greenhouse gas emission and degree of environmental impacts by these technologies can be identified and measured throughout their lifespan. This study addresses how to quantify these CO2 emission impacts for an electrolytic system with different energy sources. The LCA of a novel integrated hydrogen production SOEC system with energy from solar photovoltaic and bituminous powerplant is performed using simaPro, the leading global LCA solution software. Measuring the environmental impact of the electrolytic operation in terms of weight, the bituminous powerplant poses damage which is, on average 700% more than solar PV. The thermal-to-hydrogen efficiency of the SOEC system is 56%, and a probable 28% reduction in carbon footprint with heat integration. The steam generation and the manufacturing of the SOEC have a very high environmental impact potential on the system. We recommend LCA and net energy analysis is carried out for every new hydrogen technology and adequate comparison to enhance sustainable and green economy. •A detailed cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) is carried out for an integrated solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) system.•Carbon footprint can be reduced by 28% in the system with adequate heat integration.•Solar photovoltaic (PV) is an environmentally benign energy source for SOEC operations.•Bituminous powerplant poses environmental damage on average 700% more than solar PV.•Improved balance of plant (BoP) design is key to sustainable large-scale hydrogen production.