The carbon-clean electricity-lightweight material nexus of the CCS technology benefits for the hydrogen fuel cell buses

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, clean electricity, and lightweight materials in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus (HFCB). We emphasize the importance of CCS technology in reducing the Carbon Footprint (CF) of HFCB during the operational phase. We apply the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to assess the impact of different hydrogen production methods and electricity structures on the CF of the HFCB. We also evaluate how Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), as a lightweight material, contributes to reducing carbon emissions. The results show that by combining CCS technology with future renewable power structures, carbon emissions during the operational phase of the HFCB can be reduced by up to 97%. Particularly, emissions can drop from 65,766.79 kgCO₂eq to 10,379.90 kgCO₂eq when using electrolysis of water for hydrogen production. Additionally, integrating CFRP reduces emissions by 30%, contributing to an overall reduction of 712,920.20 kgCO₂eq when combined with CCS and future power structures. This provides a clear path for reducing emissions in the transportation sector, essential for future energy strategies and transportation policies.