Assessing the environmental impacts of wind-based hydrogen production in the Netherlands using ex-ante LCA and scenarios analysis

Two electrolysis technologies fed with renewable energy sources are promising for the production of CO2-free hydrogen and enabling transition to a society: Alkaline Electrolyte (AE) Polymer Membrane (PEM). However, limited information exists on potential environmental impacts these sustainable innovations when operating large-scale. To fill this gap, performance AE PEM systems is compared, using ex-ante Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), technology analysis exploratory scenarios which refined methodology has been developed study effects implementing large-scale systems. Ex-ante LCA allows modelling production, scenario possible upscaling at future states use in vehicles Netherlands 2050. A bridging tool mapping technological field created combination quantitative LCAs qualitative scenarios. This also enables diversity exploring multiple sets visions. The main results from paper show, an exception “ozone depletion” impact category, (1) that have similar variations lower than 7% all categories, (2) contribution electrolyser 10% categories results, (3) origin electricity largest contributor contributing more 90% even used. It concluded was applied successfully provides solid basis assessment framework can be emerging