3499 Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the understanding of the energy balance and efficiency of hydrogen derivative value chain building blocks

Overview:

This research report builds on the Energy Institute’s earlier publication, Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the understanding of the energy balance and efficiency of hydrogen value chain building blocks, by applying the same modular life cycle assessment based energy balance methodology to hydrogen derivatives. The study provides a detailed assessment of the operational energy requirements and efficiencies associated with five major hydrogen derivative pathways: liquefied hydrogen (LH₂), green ammonia (NH₃), green ammonia with cracking, e-methanol (CH₃OH) and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs).

Using a transparent block by block methodology, the report evaluates energy use across production, conversion, storage, shipping, pipeline distribution and end use. The analysis enables direct comparison between pathways and identifies where the largest energy losses occur throughout the value chain. The report also explores the implications of transport distances, boil off losses, synthesis and cracking processes, and end use technologies on overall pathway efficiency.

The findings provide an independent and technically robust evidence base to support engineering design, infrastructure planning, research prioritisation and wider policy discussions surrounding hydrogen and hydrogen derivative systems. The study is intended to support a clearer understanding of how energy balance methodologies can simplify complex hydrogen systems and enable consistent, like for like comparisons across different hydrogen carriers and delivery pathways.