Scholarly record
LIFE CYCLE APPROACH OF POWER-TO-HYDROGEN-TO-POWER SOLUTIONS IN COMBINED CYCLE POWER SYSTEMS
Abstract
Global climate and ecological crisis urge to decarbonazation of EU through sustainable low carbon alternatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Within this context, Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power (P2H2P) technologies are playing an essential role in the energy transitions boosting the energy system flexibility, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and providing a promising pathway for long-term energy storage and clean fuel supply. Driving forces behind this research are the imperative raise the usage of clean fuels in industry, the optimization of combined cycle operation and the grid balancing challenge achieved by the implementation of energy storage. In this study, the methodological framework of a P2H2P system is developed, and a comprehensive approach that can be applied in similar systems is determined. Particularly, the boundaries include all the stages of P2H2P such as the hydrogen production, the hydrogen compression and storage, as well as the power production. The present study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of an innovative P2H2P system integrated with energy storage, developed and demonstrated within a real combined cycle power plant. Specifically, this study estimates the environmental performance indicators associated with hydrogen production and power generation through co-combustion of natural gas and hydrogen. The life cycle assessment (LCA) outcomes highlight the potential of such integrated solutions to enhance energy system flexibility and support the EU-s long-term carbon-neutrality goals. This study demonstrates that coupling LCA with real-scale operational data is crucial for guiding the sustainable deployment of next-generation hydrogen technologies.
Publication Impact Profile
Publication details
References15
EEA. Share of energy consumption from renewable sources in Europe. 2025 [cited 2025 30/10/2025]; Available from: https://www.eea.europa.eu/ en/analysis/indicators/ share-of-energy-consumption-from.
Barba, J., M. Ca�as-Carret�n, M. Carri�n, G. R. Hernandez-Labrado, C. Merino, J. I. Mu�oz, and R. Zarate-Mi�ano, Integrating Hydrogen into Power Systems: A Comprehensive Review, Sustainability. vol. 17/issue 13, pp. 6117, 2025. DOI: 10.3390/su17136117
Dulian, M. and G. Erbach, Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. State of play and outlook, in Towards climate neutrality, E.E.P.R. Service, Editor. 2025.
Algburi, S., O. Al-Dulaimi, H. F. Fakhruldeen, D. H. Khalaf, R. N. Hanoon, F. I. Jabbar, Q. Hassan, A. K. Al-Jiboory, and S. Kiconco, The green hydrogen role in the global energy transformations, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition. vol. 8/issue 100118, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.rset.2025.100118.
Olabi, A. G., M. A. Abdelkareem, M. S. Mahmoud, K. Elsaid, K. Obaideen, H. Rezk, T. Wilberforce, T. Eisa, K.-J. Chae, and E. T. Sayed, Green hydrogen: Pathways, roadmap, and role in achieving sustainable development goals, Process Safety and Environmental Protection. vol. 177/issue 664-687, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2023.06.069.
Espitalier-No�l, M., J. Fonseca, D. Fraile, M. Muron, Grzegorz Pawelec, Sara Santos, and O. Staudenmayer, Clean Hydrogen Monitor 2024. 2024.
Maniscalco, M. P., S. Longo, M. Cellura, G. Miccich�, and M. Ferraro, Critical Review of Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen Production Pathways, Environments. vol. 11/issue 6, pp. 108, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/environments11060108
Kotowicz, J. and M. Brzeczek, Analysis of increasing efficiency of modern combined cycle power plant: A case study, Energy. vol. 153/issue 90-99, 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.04.030.
Bailera, M., B. Pe�a, P. Lisbona, and L. Romeo, Improved Flexibility and Economics of Combined Cycles by Power to Gas, Frontiers in Energy Research. vol. 8/issue, 2020. DOI: 10.3389/fenrg.2020.00151.
Rinawati, D. I., A. R. Keeley, S. Takeda, and S. Managi, Life-cycle assessment of hydrogen utilization in power generation: A systematic review of technological and methodological choices, Frontiers in Sustainability. vol. 3/issue, 2022. DOI: 10.3389/frsus.2022.920876.
Jose, G., G. Rafael, and L. Bj�rn, The role of combined cycled gas turbines as an energy storage solution in a hydrogen economy. , in 11th IGTC Dispatchable technology & innovations for a carbon-neutral society. 2023: Brussels, Belgium.
ISO14040, Environmental Management�Life Cycle Assessment�Principles and Framework, in ISO 14040. 2006.
Sim�es, F. L. D., Life cycle assessment of hydrogen production by PEM electrolyzer technology based on solar and wind energy sources in Portugal, in Energy Engineering and Management. 2024, Instituto Superior T�cnico: Portugal.
Osman, A. I., N. Mehta, A. M. Elgarahy, M. Hefny, A. Al-Hinai, A. a. H. Al-Muhtaseb, and D. W. Rooney, Hydrogen production, storage, utilisation and environmental impacts: a review, Environmental Chemistry Letters. vol. 20/issue 1, pp. 153-188, 2022. DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01322-8.
Barei�, K., C. de la Rua, M. M�ckl, and T. Hamacher, Life cycle assessment of hydrogen from proton exchange membrane water electrolysis in future energy systems, Applied Energy. vol. 237/issue 862-872, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org /10.1016/ j.apenergy.2019.01.001. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.001
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.