Sustainability assessment of innovative energy technologies – Hydrogen from wind power as a fuel for mobility applications

An approach for life-cycle-based sustainability assessment for innovative energytechnologies was developed that includes Life Cycle Assessment, economicassessment and selected social indicators, i.e. acceptance, patents and addedvalue. As a case study for this approach, hydrogen supply by wind poweredelectrolysis was assessed and different distribution options to its final use in fuelcell vehicles were compared. First results of the Life Cycle Assessment showthat lowest environmental impacts are caused by transporting hydrogen inpipelines, which is also the most cost-effective option. The preliminary surveyabout hydrogen refuelling stations showed that the fear of explosions is mostrelevant to people. Regarding added value, it could be revealed that a slight shiftfrom domestic to more globalised expenditures is to be expected in the future. Itcan be concluded that hydrogen supply by pipelines is the most sustainableoption. However, for the implementation of this technology, social issues suchas acceptance of hydrogen filling stations and decrease of local employmenthave to be addressed