Advancing Hydrogen Sustainability in Alberta: Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Hydrogen Production Pathways

This study conducts a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of hydrogen production pathways in Alberta, Canada, evaluating environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Eight pathways are analyzed: steam methane reforming (SMR) with and without carbon capture and storage (CCS), autothermal reforming (ATR) with and without CCS and with and without grid electricity, as well as alkaline electrolysis using grid and wind electricity. While alkaline electrolysis with wind electricity shows the best performance under the climate change and ozone depletion categories, ATR + CCS (CO2 capture rate of 91 %, no-grid electricity) demonstrates the strongest performance in seven of nine environmental impact categories, being the worst performer in none, and having the lowest social risks. Economically, SMR and ATR without CCS exhibit the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen, followed by ATR + CCS (CO2 capture rate of 91 %, no-grid electricity). ATR + CCS (CO2 capture rate of 91 %, no-grid electricity) emerges as a promising pathway offering an overall balance of sustainability under the current study’s assumptions. The results suggest that a blue hydrogen to electricity scenario, where ATR + CCS with 100 % on-site hydrogen-fueled power generation replaces grid electricity, may be the most suitable pathway for hydrogen production in Alberta. Key recommendations include optimizing environmental performance in climate change and ozone depletion impacts, reducing costs, and mitigating social risks in ATR pathways. This LCSA supports policies and investments to advance hydrogen’s role in Alberta’s decarbonization and energy transition.