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Renewable energy

Hydrogen Storage System's Environmental Impacts Evaluated

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Turin has focused on reducing the environmental impacts associated with a hydrogen storage system. By examining the life cycle assessment of the system, including its construction, use, and end-of-life (EOL) phase, the study aimed to identify the primary contributors to the system's environmental impacts. The research also proposed possible solutions to mitigate these impacts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HydroCARE European project developed a prototype for a solid-state hydrogen storage system using TiFe0.85Mn0.05 alloy as the H2 carrier.
  • The system also features an innovative thermal energy storage system using phase change material (PCM) integrated with the metal hydride tanks.
  • A life cycle assessment was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the prototype, using a functional unit of storing 46 kg of hydrogen over 50 years.
  • The assessment identified metal hydride powders, particularly titanium, as primary contributors to the system's environmental impacts.
  • Energy necessary to operate the prototype accounts for less than 7% in all impacts, except for 'Resource use (fossil)'.
  • The EOL phase, modeled with recycling and incineration, reduced impacts primarily in 'Resource use (minerals and metals)'.
  • The study concluded that the HyCARE system without the integration of the PCM has the lowest environmental impacts.

Statistics:

  • 46 kg: The amount of hydrogen stored by the system over 50 years, used as the functional unit for the life cycle assessment.
  • 50 years: The period over which the system's environmental impacts were assessed.
  • 7%: The percentage of energy necessary to operate the prototype, contributing to the system's environmental impacts.
  • 515: The issue number of the Journal of Cleaner Production where the study was published.

Sources:

  • "Life Cycle Assessment for the Determination of the Environmental Impacts of an Advanced Large-scale Hydrogen Storage System From Hycare Eu Project." Journal of Cleaner Production, 2025; 515.
  • University of Turin.
  • M. Baricco, et al.

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