A crucial part of the PH2OTOGEN project is ensuring that our innovative hydrogen production technology not only performs efficiently but in a way that is also economically and environmentally sustainable. This is where our work on Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Lifecycle Costing (LCC) comes into play.
Laying the foundation for sustainable analysis
Our team has prepared a comprehensive inventory of the materials and procedures required to synthesise hydrogen-evolving particles (HEP) and oxidising particles (OP). Based on current experimental protocols, we’ve scaled these procedures to represent realistic photocatalytic panel sizes, even though the technology remains at a low Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This inventory will serve as a critical input into the LCA for Experts software, enabling a detailed analysis of the environmental and economic impacts of the production process.
One key milestone has been the completion of this inventory, which is now being shared with partners for review. Collaborative discussions are underway to ensure that the assumptions made for scaling are realistic and representative of potential real-world scenarios.
Overcoming challenges in lifecycle modelling
Scaling up procedures from the lab to an industrially relevant scale presents unique challenges, particularly for a technology that is still emerging. Many of the materials used in synthesis are not yet included in standard LCA software databases. To overcome this, the team will identify possible substitute materials that provide a realistic estimation of environmental impacts.
Moreover, close collaboration with project partners has been invaluable. By discussing key parameters and potential compromises, we’ve been able to make realistic assumptions that strengthen the validity of our analysis.
Using LCA and LCC to compare solutions
The inventory data will soon be used to complete a full LCA and LCC analysis. This analysis will focus specifically on comparing candidate materials based on their environmental footprint and lifecycle production costs, ensuring decisions are informed by sustainability and economic feasibility. These findings will be integrated with performance and stability data from other areas of the project to identify the most promising candidates for scale-up in the PH2OTOGEN demonstrator.
Collaborative efforts
This work, led by Toyota Motor Europe (TME), relies heavily on input from our partners. Their contributions to understanding the synthesis procedures for each material have been essential for building a realistic and robust analysis.
By combining environmental, cost, and performance data, we aim to set a benchmark for sustainable green hydrogen production. This effort not only supports the PH2OTOGEN demonstrator but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a scalable, eco-friendly hydrogen economy.
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Hannah Johnson, Coordinator of PH2OTOGEN,
Senior Engineer at Toyota Motor Europe
