An integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment for carbon capture in hydrogen production by biomass gasification

• A techno-economic-environmental assessment framework was developed. • A forest residue gasification system with carbon capture (CC) was studied. • Forest residue-derived hydrogen is economically competitive with fossil-based hydrogen. • Electricity self-sufficient design reduces the cost and environmental impact of CC. • BECCS can decarbonize and reduce the environmental impacts of hydrogen. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a potential solution addressing climate change andregional wildfires, and supporting circular economy. This study investigates the economic and environmental performance of a BECCS pathway implementing carbon capture (CC) in hydrogen production via gasifying forest residues in the American West, by developing a framework that integrates process simulations, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that forest residue-derived hydrogen is economically competitive ($1.52– 2.92/kg H 2 ) compared with fossil-based hydrogen. Incorporating CC increases environmental impact due to additional energy and chemical consumption, which can be mitigated by the energy self-sufficiency design that reduces CC cost to $75/tonne of CO₂ for a 2,000 dry short ton/day plant, or by using renewable energy such as solar and wind. Compared to electrolysis and fossil-based routes with CC, only BECCS can provide carbon-negative hydrogen and is more favorable regarding human health impact and near-term economics.