Sustainability is integrated into HyReCo through dedicated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). These analyses help to reduce the environmental footprint and total cost of ownership of AEM technology.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
HyReCo performs a comprehensive LCA of the AEM cell and key components to quantify environmental impacts and support sustainable design.
- Scope:
- bipolar (half) plates (metallic and composite),
- membranes and PTL,
- end plates, gaskets, 10‑cell stack.
- Life cycle stages:
- raw material extraction,
- manufacturing and assembly,
- operation and component replacement,
- end‑of‑life and recycling.
With Capgemini Engineering as subcontractor, HyReCo uses established LCA databases and methods to identify carbon and resource hotspots and to derive recommendations for greener material and process choices.
Life Cycle Costing (LCC)
LCC is applied to analyse the total cost of ownership of the AEM cell and stack over the full life cycle.
- Includes:
- material and manufacturing costs,
- stack assembly, testing and commissioning,
- operation, maintenance and replacements,
- disposal and recycling.
- Evaluates:
- cost impact of high‑rate manufacturing routes,
- savings from material substitutions (e.g. SS vs. Ni foam),
- benefits from extended lifetime and improved efficiency.
LCC results support component design, process decisions and exploitation strategies for industrial partners.
Contribution to a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy
By combining technical innovation with LCA and LCC, HyReCo:
- supports a robust, cost‑efficient AEM technology with lower dependence on PFAS and critical raw materials,
- contributes to the decarbonisation of hydrogen production in Europe,
- helps SMEs and suppliers to enter the AEM value chain with more sustainable solutions.