LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM CANADIAN BIOMASS USING FORMIC ACID AS AN ENERGY CARRIER FOR TRANS-ATLANTIC ENERGY EXPORT

Abstract

The importance of Hydrogen (H2) in current global energy systems is undeniable. Moving from the energy systems depending on fossil fuel to energy systems that are carbon-free is a necessity, thus solutions such as hydrogen economy is required. Especially after recent geopolitical challenges in Europe which could make the energy acquisition a crucial problem. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) are applicable pathways for transitioning H2 into energy and to avoid the storage and transportation limitations of gaseous and liquid H2. Formic acid (FA) is an attractive alternative for such purposes due to its minimal level of toxicity and its significant volumetric storage capacity for H2. In this study, a Life cycle assessment (LCA) of the supply chain involving the Trans-Atlantic export of energy from Canada to Germany is conducted using formic acid as a LOHC and OxFA process to convert biomass to formic acid. The environmental impacts of all units and processes involved in this supply chain are examined, and the results are compared against other traditional systems for hydrogen production. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to recognize the crucial contributors and assess the processes and units that impose considerable influence on the overall environmental impact.