Work

Decarbonizing the Chemical Industry Through Sustainable Hydrogen Production Pathway

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Hydrogen is key to decarbonizing the chemical industry. This study compares future hydrogen production scenarios for 2030 and 2045. Global warming potential from emerging technologies is quantified using prospective life cycle assessments. The Annuity Method is used to calculate the levelized cost of hydrogen. By 2030, electrolysis can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%, though costs rise drastically. By 2045, combining electrolysis with hydrogen derivatives may reduce emissions, but hydrogen costs remain high. Electricity and CO 2 emissions costs are major factors. Our findings indicate that a sustainable hydrogen production pathway for the chemical industry requires support from policymakers by adapting legislative frameworks and initiating global purchase agreements.

Source: Chemical Engineering & Technology

DOI: 10.1002/ceat.70329

Authors: Mélanie Apitzsch‐Delavault, Holger Jorschick, Maike‐Katharina Senk, Mario Schmidt

Institutions: Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, DVGW-Forschungsstelle am Engler-Bunte-Institut des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie, Evonik (Germany), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,930