Hydrogen-rich syngas for cold chain logistics: A life cycle assessment of biomass gasification integration
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol.231, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 231
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154878
- Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
- Keywords: Biomass gasification, Cold chain logistics, Hydrogen, Life cycle assessment, SOFC
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Conventional urban cold chain logistics suffer from high energy consumption because independent transport refrigeration units (TRUs) usually operate at low efficiencies of 15–20%. This significantly raises greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle engines. To address this dual energy use, this study proposes a circular framework, “biomass-to-hydrogen-to-cooling,” for urban food distribution. It involves producing hydrogen-rich syngas from locally available waste biomass, such as olive pomace, green waste, and treatment sludge, through gasification. Unlike conventional hydrogen vehicle research centered on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), this work evaluates a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)– powered refrigerated truck capable of recovering high-temperature waste heat to operate an absorption chiller. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted for three scenarios: a diesel truck, a PEMFC truck, and the proposed SOFC truck. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the waste heat from SOFCs is sufficient to supply the entire refrigeration load without requiring additional fuel. Environmentally, the SOFC system demonstrated a carbon-negative performance of −74.83 kg CO2 eq per trip, while the diesel baseline emitted 104.65 kg CO2 eq. Significant reductions in smog formation, acidification, and fossil energy depletion were also observed. Overall, the findings indicate that integrating waste-derived hydrogen production with SOFC-based waste heat recovery presents a technically viable and environmentally superior solution for decarbonizing cold chain logistics, particularly in waste-rich urban areas.