Energy Analysis of Low Carbon Hydrogen from Methane and End Use Implications

Today an abundance of natural gas offers an option for hydrogen generation from methane with carbon management that avoids greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The resulting low carbon hydrogen (LCH) may be an ecologically attractive and cost-effective compliment to hydrogen generation from electrolysis. This study highlights process comparisons based on energy efficiency for power generation and transportation. Cost-effective options for both end uses are emerging. While cost-effective for decarbonizing low-capacity factor natural gas power generation, using LCH does not offer a major energy efficiency advantage over postcombustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture from existing high-capacity factor natural gas power plants. In contrast, LCH does offer a more energy-efficient substitute for liquid transportation fuel. While transportation electrification is more energy efficient than the use of LCH, there are strong reasons why it is likely that the transition away from the current liquid-fuel-dominated transportation sector will favor both electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.