Life cycle thinking of a photoelectrolysis cell for green hydrogen production

Our multi-stakeholder engagement research, conducted at a territorial level in the Nebrodi region (North-East of Sicily), revealed several factors influencing the acceptance of hydrogen technologies within the potential realisation of a local hydrogen economy. As resulted, the reduction of economic costs and the possible environmental benefits are considered to be fundamental drivers of this acceptance. For this reason, we decided to conduct in-depth research into these two dimensions in the context of a novel photoelectrolysis cell — a technology that could play a significant role in the deployment of green hydrogen. This analysis includes the results of research carried out within the framework of the “Piano Triennale di realizzazione 2022-2024 della Ricerca di Sistema Elettrico Nazionale”. It consists of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), performed according to ISO 14040/44 standards and an Environmental LCC (eLCC) analysis of a novel photoelectrolysis cell, using a cradle-to-gate approach to help designers make environmentally sustainable and economically viable choices. The calculations were performed on a laboratory prototype cell having an area of 10 cm², and then scaled up to a commercial cell of 80 cm².