Integrating life cycle assessment in multi-objective optimization of green hydrogen systems: a review of literature and methodological challenges

Abstract

As global demand for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, reducing the environmental impact of energy systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness has become imperative, particularly for emerging energy carriers like hydrogen. This article presents a comprehensive review of life cycle assessment (LCA) and multi-objective optimization (MOO) in the context of green hydrogen (H 2 ) systems, focusing on key contributions from 2019 to 2023. The review categorizes the literature into three areas: (i) Recent LCA studies on green H 2 production, (ii) MOO studies that include LCA of renewable energy systems, (iii) Research integrating environmental criteria into MOO for green H 2 systems. The review highlights significant gaps, particularly the limited depth of environmental detail in LCAs integrated into MOO, compared to standalone environmental LCAs. Additionally, the analysis reveals a lack of end-of-life considerations across all study categories. In terms of optimization, most research adopts a bi-objective framework, typically focusing on economic performance and a single environmental metric (often CO 2 emissions), thereby constraining the development of more comprehensive, sustainable systems. The article concludes by offering recommendations: future LCAs of hydrogen systems should incorporate advanced optimization algorithms, broaden their scope to cradle-to-grave assessments, and utilize prospective methods for better anticipation of future environmental impacts. • This paper explores the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the design of green hydrogen systems. • It reviews recent studies about Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) including LCA for renewable energy systems. • It examines optimization with environmental criteria for hydrogen systems. • It discusses balancing detail and efficiency in LCA and optimization. • It recommends advanced decision support tools for better integration of LCA and optimization.

Cite this paper

@article{chavez2025integrating,
  title = {{Integrating life cycle assessment in multi-objective optimization of green hydrogen systems: a review of literature and methodological challenges}},
  author = {Chavez, Diego Larrahondo and Azzaro‐Pantel, Catherine and Montignac, Florent and Ruby, Alain},
  journal = {Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews},
  volume = {217},
  pages = {115689},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.1016/j.rser.2025.115689}
}

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