Sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) is a promising alternative for H2 production with inherent CO2 capture. This study evaluates the techno-economic performance of SE-SMR in a network of fixed beds and its integration with a solid oxide fuel cell (SE-SMR-SOFC) for power generation. The analysis revealed that both proposed systems are characterised by better economic performance than the reference systems. In particular, for SE-SMR the levelised cost of hydrogen is 1.6 €⋅kg−1 and the cost of CO2 avoided is 29.9 €⋅tCO2−1 (2.4 €⋅kg−1 and 50 €⋅tCO2−1, respectively, for SMR with CO2 capture) while for SE-SMR-SOFC the levelised cost of electricity is 0.078 €⋅kWh−1 and the cost of CO2 avoided is 36.9 €⋅tCO2−1 (0.080 €⋅kWh−1 and 80 €⋅tCO2−1, respectively, for natural gas-fired power plant with carbon capture). The sensitivity analysis showed that the specific cost of fuel and the capital cost of fuel cell mainly affect the economic performance of SE-SMR and SE-SMR-SOFC, respectively. The daily revenue of the SE-SMR-SOFC system is higher than that of the natural gas-fired power plant if the difference between the carbon tax and the CO2 transport and storage cost is > 6 €⋅tCO2−1

This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to investigate the environmental burden of photovoltaic power generation systems that use multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) modules in Pakistan. This study evaluates the energy payback time (EPBT) of this class of systems, and considers various environmental impacts, including climate change, acidification, and eutrophication. The assessment accounts for upstream, midstream, and downstream processes, including cell as well as module production. The critical stages in the production cycle were identified, including the metallic silicon transformation into solar silicon and the assembly of the panels, which involve energy-intensive materials such as aluminum frames and glass roofing. Despite using the most efficient conversion technology, the former stage consumes a significant amount of electricity. This study reveals that multi-Si PV systems in Pakistan have an EPBT that is considerably less than their lifespan, ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 years. These findings suggest that the development of PV systems in Pakistan is a very interesting option for energy production. Additionally, this study compares solar PV and wind power generation systems in various regions of Pakistan. The study outcomes can facilitate evidence-based decision-making processes in the renewable energy sector and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s endeavor to transition toward a sustainable energy system.