Towards an Understanding of Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Structured Literature Review Regarding Sustainability Evaluation

Abstract

Hydrogen technologies have received increased attention in research and development to foster the shift towards carbon-neutral energy systems. Depending on the specific production techniques, transportation concepts, and application areas, hydrogen supply chains (HSCs) can be anything from part of the energy transition problem to part of the solution: Even more than battery-driven electric mobility, hydrogen is a polyvalent technology and can be used in very different contexts with specific positive or negative sustainability impacts. Thus, a detailed sustainability evaluation is crucial for decision making in the context of hydrogen technology and its diverse application fields. This article provides a comprehensive, structured literature review in the context of HSCs along the triple bottom line dimensions of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, analyzing a total of 288 research papers. As a result, we identify research gaps mostly regarding social sustainability and the supply chain stages of hydrogen distribution and usage. We suggest further research to concentrate on these gaps, thus strengthening our understanding of comprehensive sustainability evaluations for HSCs, especially in social sustainability evaluation. In addition, we provide an additional approach for discussion by adding literature review results from neighboring fields, highlighting the joint challenges and insights regarding sustainability evaluation.

Fuelling the future: Assessing multifuel filling stations for hydrogen and other renewable fuels through life cycle analysis

“…In the case of hydrogen production through water electrolysis, GHG amount to 19 g CO 2 eq./MJ hydrogen, with very small variations between centralised and decentralised production. In line with previous studies, for example, 25–27 the electrolysis step contributes to the majority of emissions, despite the nine times lower carbon emission factor of the Swedish electricity mix compared to the European average (according to Sphera 19 using datasets for the electricity mix with a reference year of 2017).…”

“…It would be a more competitive alternative if there is a market potential for all product streams, including oxygen and heat and if the produced heat replaces a fossil‐based heat mix. In accordance with other studies, 25–27 the fossil‐based carbon intensity of the electricity mix used, especially in the case of the hydrogen production via electrolysis and the possibility to offset the coproducts obtained can have a strong influence on the results. In the case of the biomethane reforming systems, the upstream impacts during the production of biogas used in the process would determine the overall environmental performance of hydrogen.…”

Progress and Advances in Porous Silica‐based Scaffolds for Enhanced Solid‐state Hydrogen Storage: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Otherwise, the carbon is oxidized. [21] Figure 3 displays various types of hydrogen storage systems that comprise physical hydrogen storage systems and materialbased storage systems. Physical hydrogen storage systems are classified according to pressure and temperature.…”

“…However, most of the reports focused mainly on current research trends on hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. Additionally, other reviews reported on the solid‐state materials, nanosizing, and nanoconfinement using porous carbons, techniques, and lightweight complex hydrides [21–22] . To the author's knowledge, no systemic studies were reported on scaffolds made from porous silica.…”

“…Additionally, other reviews reported on the solid-state materials, nanosizing, and nanoconfinement using porous carbons, techniques, and lightweight complex hydrides. [21][22] To the author's knowledge, no systemic studies were reported on scaffolds made from porous silica. Generally, studies on scaffold materials made from porous silica are novel areas of research, and this is due to the availability and porous nature of silica material.…”