In the quest to reduce carbon emissions in Europe, renewable hydrogen has emerged as a key player. However, the method of sourcing and delivering this renewable energy source presents a complex set of challenges. A recent study by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) delves into the environmental impacts of different delivery methods for renewable hydrogen, shedding light on the nuances that policymakers and stakeholders must navigate.
The study highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of on-site production versus importing renewable hydrogen from regions with abundant renewable energy sources. While on-site production using efficient renewable sources emerges as the most environmentally sustainable option, importing renewable hydrogen can still result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to on-site production with fossil fuels. However, the environmental impact varies depending on the production technology and delivery pathway chosen.
The study compares the life cycle environmental impacts of on-site production through steam methane reforming (SMR) or electrolysis with three different delivery methods: compression, liquefaction, and chemical bonding to other molecules. Both shipping and pipeline transportation are considered, with a focus on a distance of 2,500 km, equivalent to the distance between Portugal and the Netherlands. The findings indicate that while transporting compressed hydrogen through pipelines or liquid hydrogen via ships may have the least environmental impact when delivering hydrogen over long distances, other methods such as packing and unpacking hydrogen into chemical carriers may demand larger amounts of energy and resources, making them less desirable options.
Addressing Water Use and Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Water use emerges as another critical factor in the environmental impact of hydrogen production. On-site hydrogen generation in water-rich countries proves to be a more sustainable option in terms of water use compared to importing hydrogen from water-scarce nations. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and utilize renewable energy for their production to reduce the environmental impact of generating solar-generated hydrogen.
Minimizing Hydrogen Losses
Hydrogen losses during the delivery chain can significantly increase the environmental impact of delivered hydrogen. While options such as liquid and compressed hydrogen may be more susceptible to losses, they still have lower environmental impacts than using hydrogen carriers. Importing renewable hydrogen from closer regions when on-site production is not feasible emerges as a more environmentally sustainable choice, highlighting the need for strategic planning in the transportation of renewable hydrogen within Europe.
The study offers valuable insights into the environmental considerations surrounding the delivery of renewable hydrogen in Europe. By carefully weighing the environmental impact of different production and delivery methods, policymakers and stakeholders can steer the transition towards a more sustainable hydrogen economy. From optimizing on-site production using local renewable sources to choosing environmentally friendly delivery methods, the key to decarbonizing Europe lies in making informed decisions that prioritize both environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
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