Using LCA to Find Improvements for Hydrogen Production From Wind Electrolysis

Although hydrogen is generally considered to be a clean fuel, it is important to recognize that its production may have negative impacts on the environment. Examining the resource consumption, energy requirements, and emissions from a life cycle point of view gives a complete picture of the environmental burdens associated with hydrogen production. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) on a renewable hydrogen production process that employs wind/electrolysis. The results of the LCA showed areas where improvements would have the greatest reduction in stressors (i.e., resources, energy, and pollutants).