Material needs for power-to-X systems for CO₂ utilization require a life cycle approach

Area of Science:

• Energy Systems Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sustainability Science

Background:

• The global shift towards net-zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions necessitates a major expansion of Power-to-X technologies.
• These technologies are essential for capturing and converting CO₂ into low-carbon fuels and chemicals, replacing fossil-fuel-dependent processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical materials required for Power-to-X electrolyzers.
• To analyze the impacts and risks associated with the global supply chains of these essential materials.
• To advocate for the early adoption of Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) in Power-to-X research and development.

Main Methods:

• Identification of critical raw materials for Power-to-X electrolyzers.
• Analysis of existing global supply chain vulnerabilities for these materials.
• Overview of Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) methodologies.

Main Results:

• Power-to-X technologies require significant quantities of specific raw materials, including rare earth metals like yttrium and iridium, which differ from those in traditional petroleum-based systems.
• Existing global supply chains for these critical materials present considerable challenges and risks in meeting the projected demand for gigawatt-scale Power-to-X deployment.
• The study highlights the need for proactive assessment of socio-environmental impacts throughout the entire product life cycle.

Conclusions:

• The scale-up of Power-to-X technologies faces material supply challenges that require strategic planning.
• Integrating Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) early in the R&D process is crucial.
• Life cycle thinking is imperative for the informed, just, and ethical development of disruptive net-zero technologies.