Evaluating Greenhouse Gas Reduction Efficiency Through Hydrogen Ecosystem Implementation from a Life-Cycle Perspective

Jaeyoung Lee, Sun Bin Kim, Inhong Jung, Seleen Lee and Yong Woo Hwang ()
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Jaeyoung Lee: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Sun Bin Kim: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Inhong Jung: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Seleen Lee: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Yong Woo Hwang: Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: With growing global demand for sustainable decarbonization, hydrogen energy systems have emerged as a key pillar in achieving carbon neutrality. This study assesses the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction efficiency of Republic of Korea’s hydrogen ecosystem from a life-cycle perspective, focusing on production and utilization stages. Using empirical data—including the national hydrogen supply structure, fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) deployment, and hydrogen power generation records, the analysis compares hydrogen-based systems with conventional fossil fuel systems. Results show that current hydrogen production methods, mainly by-product and reforming-based hydrogen, emit an average of 6.31 kg CO 2 -eq per kg H 2 , providing modest GHG benefits over low-carbon fossil fuels but enabling up to a 77% reduction when replacing high-emission sources like anthracite. In the utilization phase, grey hydrogen-fueled stationary fuel cells emit more GHGs than the national grid. By contrast, FCEVs demonstrate a 58.2% GHG reduction compared to internal combustion vehicles, with regional variability. Importantly, this study omits the distribution phase (storage and transport) due to data heterogeneity and a lack of reliable datasets, which limits the comprehensiveness of the LCA. Future research should incorporate sensitivity or scenario-based analyses such as comparisons between pipeline transport and liquefied hydrogen transport to better capture distribution-phase impacts. The study concludes that the environmental benefit of hydrogen systems is highly dependent on production pathways, end-use sectors, and regional conditions. Strategic deployment of green hydrogen, regional optimization, and the explicit integration of distribution and storage in future assessments are essential to enhancing hydrogen’s contribution to national carbon neutrality goals.

Keywords: hydrogen ecosystem; life cycle assessment; greenhouse gas reduction; carbon neutrality; clean energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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