A comparative study of the global warming potential of hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric cars with a special focus on the Maltese islands

Abstract

The ever-increasing emissions originating from the transportation sector calls for a shift to alternative cleaner fuels. Besides the electric car, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is slowly gaining momentum. The only by-product of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air is water, hence they are considered as zero-emission. A life cycle assessment (LCA) is being conducted to analyse the processes carried out from the manufacturing phase to the end-of-life phase of a hydrogen vehicle. Although a fuel cell vehicle is considered to be emission-free, there are other implications which are analysed, such as the hydrogen production method and the electricity mix used. As a matter of fact, Malta’s emissions from electricity generation stand at 489 gCO2/kWh, and hydrogen production using Malta’s electricity mix, still generates a considerable amount of emissions although much less than an internal combustion engine vehicle. Hydrogen production in the study is assumed to be produced by electrolysis, as planned in the Malta National Electromobility Action Plan. The three implementation scenarios have been created to estimate the hydrogen requirement. The hydrogen demand for the first two scenarios can be met by two electrolysis plants, but for the third, a total of fourteen electrolysis facilities will be needed. Advanced electrolysis technologies are becoming more viable and energy efficient. However, the aim is to have electrolysis plants which operate by energy from renewables, to reduce the emissions from the atmosphere as much as possible. Additionally, the production of hydrogen from renewables, can potentially put fuel cell vehicles at the forefront in the transportation sector. Furthermore, both electric and fuel cell vehicles are the way forward towards a cleaner atmosphere with reduced emissions. While electric vehicles have already established a market on the Island, fuel cells vehicles are only present in a few countries. Moreover, the plan to ban imports on fossil fuel cars, will shift the focus on both electric and fuel cell vehicles, as proposed in Directive 2014/94/EU. This emerging technology may take a while until it is integrated within the transportation sector in Malta, however, grants and schemes will encourage the presumably gradual investment in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.