The Carbon Footprint of Hydrogen Produced with State-of-the-Art Photovoltaic Electricity Using Life-Cycle Assessment Methodology

The production of hydrogen as both chemical feed and energy carrier using low-carbon technologies is one the solutions to reach net-zero emissions. This paper, firstly, reviews publications on life-cycle assessment photovoltaic (PV)-based focused carbon footprint. Secondly, it updates global warming potential (GWP) values this H2 process considering state-of-the-art PV panels for installation in Italy. In literature, produced Europe rest world results a mean GWP equal 4.83 3.82 kg CO2 eq./kg H2, respectively, which systems contribute highest share. average efficiency assumed literature lower than current modules. Updating supply chain, efficiency, manufacturing material flows modules can decrease value by nearly 60% (1.75 with use alkaline electrolyzer) Italian context, be further reduced advancements or electrolysis efficiency. study proves that advancement industry additional savings electrolyzer’s electrical demand footprint PV-based H2.