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NRC develops and maintains life cycle inventory (LCI) databases that can be used in life cycle assessment in various sectors. In order to facilitate sharing, access and collaborative development of LCI data, NRC has implemented openLCA collaboration server (CS) to host its LCI databases. This document outlines the access and use of NRC openLCA CS. It assumes the readers are already familiar with the general use of openLCA software. Main steps that need to be followed for accessing and using the NRC openLCA CS are explained below. First, users should request access credentials that can obtained from NRC administrator. Users are provided with the varying level of access privileges based on specific needs and requirements. In CS, LCI data are organized as repositories. Users can directly download the LCI data or connect their local openLCA software to the CS. In the latter case, users need to configure the openLCA software installed in their respective computers to access NRC openLCA CS. Also, the local openLCA database of each user need to be configured and connected with relevant online repositories for collaborative development of LCIs. The LCI download, modification and upload using CS follows a linear workflow to avoid inconsistencies. This manual provides guidance for accessing, configuring and using NRC openLCA CS in detail.

Canada has the potential to produce hydrogen as part of the clean fuel transition of its existing energy sector to a low-carbon economy, commitment that will support reaching net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Domestic hydrogen production is leveraged by the availability of diverse energy sources from fossil fuels to renewable electricity. Canada has the one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world with over 83% of electricity from non-emitting sources. Additionally, production of low-carbon hydrogen has the potential to be internationally traded. However, it is necessary to define and measure the carbon intensities of potential hydrogen production pathways in Canada in order to define low-carbon hydrogen in future standards. It is within this context that the National Research Council Canada (NRC), through its Advanced Clean Energy Program, has undertaken the development of a Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen Production Pathways in Canada Study, with support of the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD) and collaborators CanmetENERGY in Devon (CE-D), and CanmetENERGY in Varennes (CE-V) of NRCan, which have joined their efforts and expertise to provide hydrogen production process simulation results to complete the current study. The purpose of this study is to develop a detailed and complete methodology based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to assess different carbon intensities of hydrogen production in order to provide a consistent and verifiable greenhouse gases (GHG) estimation, including definition of system boundaries and building life cycle inventories for a Canadian context. Additionally, this report provides results of performing the proposed LCA-based methodological framework for two hydrogen production pathways in a Canadian context using steam methane reforming with natural gas and without carbon capture and alkaline electrolysis using grid electricity. After performing a scoping review of relevant hydrogen LCA peer-reviewed studies, critical life cycle assessment methodological options were identified for harmonizing LCA of hydrogen production frameworks. Based on current life cycle assessment normative, a methodological framework is developed to quantify carbon intensities of hydrogen production. LCA methodological choices such as definition of functional unit, system boundaries, and life cycle inventory criteria are aligned to relevant and current low-carbon intensity hydrogen standards. The LCA-based methodology is an attributional LCA, with the system boundaries being to the point of hydrogen production (‘well-to-gate’ approach). The life cycle inventory data for the foreground system comes from modelling and simulation results of the processes selected in this study. A life cycle assessment was conducted to the steam methane reforming as baseline pathway and the alkaline electrolysis pathway. Life cycle GHG emissions results show that the baseline hydrogen pathway presents a wide range of improvement in comparison to an estimated low-carbon hydrogen threshold. Electrolysis pathway shows its carbon intensities depend on the share of renewable energy sources used to generate electricity as feedstock in the electrolysis process. Further LCAs for the remaining hydrogen pathways in a Canadian context will be performed and results will be published in a new report. It is important to note that the accuracy and completeness of the life cycle inventory data could be improved with primary data from current industry, hence it is recommended that the LCA results in the present report may be revised with use cases from current hydrogen projects developed in a Canadian context. Additional recommended steps, include start a wide consultation process with stakeholders to revise life cycle GHG emissions estimates and to set the final carbon intensities threshold(s).

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an attractive technology for the decarbonization of global energy systems. However, its early development stage makes impact assessment difficult. Moreover, rising popularity in carbon pricing necessitates the development of a methodology for deriving carbon abatement costs that are harmonized with the price of carbon. We develop, using a combined bottom-up analysis and top-down learning curve approach, a levelized cost of carbon abatement (LCCA) model for assessing the true cost of emissions mitigation in CCUS technology under carbon pricing mechanisms. We demonstrate our methodology by adapting three policy scenarios in Canada to explore how the implementation of CO₂-to-diesel technologies could economically decarbonize Canada’s transportation sector. With continued policy development, Canada can avoid 932 MtCO₂eq by 2075 at an LCCA of CA$209/tCO₂eq. Technological learning, low emission hydroelectricity generation, and cost-effective electricity prices make Quebec and Manitoba uniquely positioned to support CO₂-to-diesel technology. The additional policy supports beyond 2030, including an escalating carbon price, CO₂-derived fuel blending requirements, or investment in low-cost renewable electricity, which can accelerate market diffusion of CO₂-to-diesel technology in Canada. This methodology is applicable to different jurisdictions and disruptive technologies, providing ample foci for future work to leverage this combined technology learning + LCCA approach.

Understanding the potential of Grid Scale Energy Storage to provide benefits to the electric grid, as well as how it may also support goals in the areas of economic development and environmental impact, is critical in order to assess its potential relative to incumbent technologies. However, most studies undertaken to date have reviewed Energy Storage on a project-by-project basis, which makes it difficult to ascertain the system wide benefits and costs of implementing the technology. It is within this context that the National Research Council, through its Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization Program, has undertaken the development of a Canadian Energy Storage Study, with support from Natural Resources Canada, strategic partners and consultants, stakeholders across the value chain, and an expert advisory board. This document contains the first chapter of this study which presents an analysis of Energy Storage in Alberta. The report consists of three main areas of study including: Grid Needs, Technology Assessment, and Environmental Impact. It is intended to provide a neutral and independent analysis that outlines the potential costs and benefits of the adoption of energy storage technologies in Alberta in 2017. The data, results, and conclusions in this report should not be interpreted as policy advice, and are not guaranteed to be reflective of current market conditions; they instead are meant to support a range of conversations and calculations well beyond the scope of this report., On title page: Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization, Sur la page de titre : Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization

The objective of this study is to estimate the municipal solid waste generation and diversion using models and evaluate the costs and GHG emissions associated with the waste supply chain., The 9th Annual Canadian Waste to Resource Conference, October 23th, 2018, Toronto, ON, Canada