Environmental performance of a metal-supported protonic ceramic cell and an electrolyte-supported solid oxide cell for steam electrolysis

Currently, higher shares of renewable electricity are promoted to reduce global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and decarbonize the energy sector. Electrolysis can help their integration into the grid but also for energy vector production. In this context, Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells (PCEC) are considered a promising clean energy technology. The ARCADE project focused on developing a cost-effective metal supported Protonic Ceramic Cell (PCC) reactor. Its environmental performance is compared to an existing Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Results show that the faradaic efficiency heavily influences a PCC's environmental performance while manufacturing has minimal impact except for potential human health concerns from metal use. To get more detailed results, further studies on PCC performance, degradation and effect of scaling up from single cells to larger systems are needed but, already at the current state, PCCs show potential for clean energy.