Material needs for power-to-X systems for CO <sub>2</sub> utilization require a life cycle approach
Aloka Kumar Sahu, Thomas E. Rufford, Saleem H. Ali, Ruth Knibbe, Simon Smart, Feng Jiao, Alexis T. Bell, Xiwang Zhang
Abstract
, we identify critical materials needed for Power-to-X electrolyzers and analyze the impacts and risks of these materials' existing global supply chains. We then provide an overview of methodologies for Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) that we encourage scientific communities to adopt early in the research process to evaluate the multidimensional socio-environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction and processing to manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal. We advocate that life cycle thinking is crucial for the informed, just and ethical development of disruptive technologies and systems such as Power-to-X technologies.