Project Specifics

Geosyntec conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to estimate cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of hydrogen and two co-products using an innovative manufacturing process. The LCA model was used to explore carbon intensity reduction opportunities, estimate a product carbon footprint (PCF) for hydrogen and for one of the co-products in a manner consistent with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14067 standard, and investigate the possibility of qualifying for clean hydrogen production tax credits under Section 45V of the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Geosyntec Scope of Services

Geosyntec constructed a detailed and flexible model of the client’s proposed hydrogen production facility. To provide flexibility in scenario development and to permit the use of a solver to determine feedstock mixes, the LCA model was built in spreadsheet form. Data from Argonne National Laboratory’s Greenhouse Gases and Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model was used to populate certain background data in the model. Many scenarios were explored by varying the feedstock sources, technologies used to produce feedstock, co-product treatment approaches, electricity emission factors, and relative fractions of feedstock from different sources. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on several model parameters.

Notable Accomplishments

This project resulted in a report that was critically reviewed by an independent third party and deemed to be compliant with the ISO 14067 carbon footprint of products standard. Using the custom-built LCA model, Geosyntec was able to provide quick turnaround to the client in response to requests for new scenario development and for investigations of technologies to reduce the carbon intensity of hydrogen production.

What is a Quick Qual?