Social Life Cycle Assessment of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell stack

Hydrogen systems are gaining importance in view of a progressive decarbonisation societies, and becoming more cost-competitive alternatives many sectors (e.g., mobility). However, the sustainability these technologies must be carefully assessed following holistic approach which embraces not only environmental but also social aspects. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is an insightful methodology to evaluate potential impacts products along their life cycle. In frame project eGHOST, risks proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack were through S-LCA. The functional unit was defined as one 48 kW (balance plant excluded), targeted for mobility applications. supply chain assuming Spain manufacturing country involving from material/energy production plants manufacturing. Beyond conventional cycle inventory data, trade information additional data retrieved UN Comtrade PSILCA databases, respectively. Besides, working hours its subcomponents calculated based on literature data. inventories modelled evaluated using openLCA method. Two stakeholder categories, workers society, considered indicators: child labour, contribution economic development, fair salary, forced gender wage gap, health expenditure. choice indicators line with eGHOST purpose. Despite relatively small amount contained product, platinum clearly arose main hotspot under each selected indicators. At level component plants, bipolar end plates found relevant some On other hand, electricity consumption generally accounted minor contribution. Overall, order avoid burden shifting issues, careful design needed.