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Project title

Hydrogen Environment Protection, Analysis, Awareness & Review

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

James Carton

Project Abstract

Ireland is ranked second last of 28 EU countries for meeting 2020 Renewable Energy targets and the transport sector in Ireland has found it difficult to steer away from the use of fossil fuels. In order to decarbonise the transport sector multiple solutions must be implemented, including active travel, public transport and electric vehicles. For heavy-duty vehicles that are weight sensitive, require long range and demand fast refuelling to accommodate their logistic requirements, hydrogen fuel is a promising solution to meet forthcoming targets in reducing fossil fuels committed under the Climate Action Plan. However further research is needed on how hydrogen-based-energy can be utilised in the transport sector, including but not limited to cars, buses, LGV’s, HDV’s, and trains. Through a rigorous review of hydrogen production pathways in combination with conducting life cycle analyses for these different routes. This study aims to collect evidence and to develop guidelines for informing policymakers and licensing institutions on the direction of a hydrogen pathway. How do the costs and benefits of the various hydrogen production routes compare and which route can sustainably substitute the current use of fossil fuels? Based on a critical international review of hydrogen production routes, among others grey, blue and green hydrogen, a clear overview and recent developments will be provided. An in-depth analysis of the various technologies will be given including the possibility for upscaling, as well as on the dynamics of operation which can be a necessary feature in the renewable energy mix for grid balancing purposes. Then, a full scope desktop life cycle analysis of the various production routes to facilitate a comparison with corresponding environmental and economical impacts will be conducted. The results thereof are intended to inform on the environmental impact of several hydrogen production rouses and use-case scenarios. Coalescing with the EU 2030 targets this study will share the learnings with EPA, academic stakeholders, policy and regulatory networks, industry and the public. The information on environmental considerations of production and implications which are relevant in an Irish Industrial Emissions Directive Licence will be presented.

Grant Approved

�99,839.50

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

30/01/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

29/01/2024