Citation
  • Atkinson, K., Symonds, R., Hughes, R., Rostom, S. Tan, Y. (2024). Carbon Capture and Geological Storage Technologies in Hydrogen Production. Canadian Standards Association, Toronto, ON.

Executive Summary

Hydrogen has been identified as a critical component of Canada’s path toward reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While production technologies, such as electrolysis, are advancing, it is expected that reforming natural gas through conventional technologies will continue to play an important role in meeting Canada’s future hydrogen demands. For these fossil fuel-based technologies to attain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, producers will likely have to employ carbon capture technologies at their facilities and couple the carbon capture with transportation and long-term sequestration of carbon dioxide.

Currently, there are no standards specific to the deployment of carbon capture in the hydrogen production industry. While existing standards applicable to carbon capture in the power generation industry can provide a starting point, differences in these industries’ processes and products leave gaps in standardization that may inhibit the adoption of carbon capture technologies in the hydrogen industry.

This report provides technical background on hydrocarbon-based hydrogen production technologies and applicable carbon capture technologies and gives examples of currently operating hydrogen projects employing these technologies. It then provides an overview of the standards landscape relevant to carbon capture technologies in hydrogen production and identifies gaps and areas where further standardization could support the deployment of carbon capture in hydrogen production. The following are key areas where standardization could be beneficial:

  • System boundaries and key performance indicators for evaluating the performance of carbon capture technologies should be appropriately defined for application in hydrogen production.
  • Guidance on technology qualification for carbon capture technologies may help in managing and reducing the risk inherent in scaling up carbon capture technologies and applying them in new configurations.
  • Standards specific to carbon capture in hydrogen production should be consistent with standards on life cycle assessment, particularly those classifying hydrogen based on its carbon intensity.

Related Publications

Authors

  • Kelly Atkinson, Natural Resources Canada
  • Robert Symonds, Natural Resources Canada
  • Robin Hughes, Natural Resources Canada
  • Samira Rostom, Natural Resources Canada
  • Yewen Tan, Natural Resources Canada

Project Advisory Panel

  • Faisal Khan, Alberta Energy Regulator
  • Shan Pletcher, Alberta Environment and Parks
  • Dragica Jeremic Nikolic, CSA Group
  • Tosan Okorosobo, CSA Group, Project Manager

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the input and guidance provided by the interested parties that took part in the workshops.

Disclaimer

This work has been produced and is owned by the Natural Resources Canada. It is designed to provide general information in regards to the subject matter covered. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors. Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Standards Association are not responsible for any loss or damage which might occur as a result of your reliance on, or use of, the content in this publication. This report may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the Natural Resources Canada.

Copyright

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Natural Resources Canada.