Decarbonizing the Chemical Industry Through Sustainable Hydrogen Production Pathway

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.