Hydrogen is a low or zero-carbon energy source that is considered the most promising and potential energy carrier of the future. In this study, the energy sources, feedstocks, and various methods of hydrogen production from power generation are comparatively investigated in detail. In addition, this study presents an economic assessment to evaluate cost-effectiveness based on different economic indicators, including sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFCs) technology has the most potential to be developed compared to several other technologies. PEMFCs have been widely used in various fields and have advantages (i.e., start-up, zero-emissions, high power density). Among the various sources of uncertainty in the sensitivity analysis, the cost estimation method shows inflationary deviations from the proposed cost of capital. This is due to the selection process and untested technology. In addition, the cost of electricity and raw materials, as the main factors that are unpredictable.

Interest in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from conventional power generation has increased the focus on the potential use of hydrogen to produce electricity. Numerous life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies of hydrogen-based power generation have been published. This study reviews the technological and methodological choices made in hydrogen-based power generation LCAs. A systematic review was chosen as the research method to achieve a comprehensive and minimally biased overview of hydrogen-based power generation LCAs. Relevant articles published between 2004 and 2021 were identified by searching the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Electrolysis from renewable energy resources was the most widely considered type of hydrogen production in the LCAs analyzed. Fuel cell technology was the most common conversion equipment used in hydrogen-based electricity LCAs. A significant number of scenarios examine the use of hydrogen for energy storage and co-generation purposes. Based on qualitative analysis, the methodological choices of LCAs vary between studies in terms of the functional units, allocations, system boundaries, and life-cycle impact assessment methods chosen. These discrepancies were likely to influence the value of the environmental impact results. The findings of the reviewed LCAs could provide an environmental profile of hydrogen-based electricity systems, identify hotspots, drive future research, define performance goals, and establish a baseline for their large-scale deployment.

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