Life Cycle Assessment of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System for Sustainable Power Generation: A Review

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising technologies for sustainable power generation, offering high electrical efficiency, fuel flexibility and minimal pollutant emissions. Environmental performance of SOFC systems is influenced by operational efficiency, upstream fuel generation, manufacturing, system integration, and end‐of‐life management. This review critically synthesizes the latest life cycle assessment studies of the stand‐alone and hybrid SOFC systems based on the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. A review of literature comparing functional units, system boundaries, life‐cycle impact assessment methods, allocation approaches, and the treatment of uncertainty, and their impact on reported environmental consequences, is provided. Article covers the environmental impact of SOFC systems fueled by natural gas, hydrogen, biogas, biomass‐based fuels, methanol, and other fuel pathways, as well as hybrid configurations with gas turbines, steam cycles, organic Rankine cycles, renewable energy systems, and carbon capture technologies. Hydrogen from renewable power and biomass‐based fuels is better for climate than fossil‐based pathways, but other environmental categories are sensitive to methodological assumptions. The research suggests standardized reporting, consistent system boundaries, and integrated environmental‐economic assessment frameworks are needed for sustained development and deployment of next‐generation SOFC technology.