TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION BASED ON NATURAL GAS STEAM REFORMING PROCESS

Abstract

Hydrogen is foreseen as a promising energy vector for the future on the road to develop a low carbon economy. In this respect, developing energy-efficient improved hydrogen production systems with low CO₂ emissions is an important aspect. This study is evaluating the most relevant economic and environmental impact elements for hydrogen production based on catalytic natural gas steam reforming. As an illustrative example, an industrial-relevant hydrogen production plant with an output of 50000 Nm³/h was investigated. In addition, a pre-combustion carbon capture feature, based on reactive gas-liquid absorption using alkanolamines (Methyl-DiEthanol-Amine - MDEA), was considered to reduce the CO₂ emissions. The overall carbon capture rate was 70%. Similar natural gas reforming plant without decarbonization feature is also discussed to quantify the efficiency and economic penalties for CO₂ capture. As assessment methods, computational tools, thermal integration analysis and an in-depth techno-economic and environmental procedure were used. For instance, to quantify the overall environmental impact, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used. Various relevant technical, economic and environmental indicators are calculated and discussed in the present work.