What is the GREET Model?
The GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) Model is a full lifecycle analysis tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. It is used to evaluate the energy and emission impacts of various vehicle and fuel combinations.
For clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, the GREET Model serves as the primary methodology for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for hydrogen production (Section 45V) and clean fuels (Section 45Z).
Official Tool: GREET is the Department of Energy-approved model for lifecycle analysis in IRA tax credit calculations.
Using approved methodologies is critical for credit qualification and audit defense.
Key Features of GREET
Comprehensive Database
Contains data for over 100 fuel production pathways and vehicle technologies.
Multiple Fuel Pathways
Analyzes hydrogen, biofuels, electricity, natural gas, and other fuel types.
Customizable Inputs
Allows users to input project-specific data for accurate emissions calculations.
GREET Model Versions
Evaluates well-to-wheels energy use and emissions for various fuel/vehicle combinations.
- - Petroleum fuels (gasoline, diesel)
- - Natural gas pathways
- - Hydrogen production pathways
- - Biofuel production pathways
- - Electric vehicle pathways
Evaluates energy use and emissions from vehicle manufacturing and disposal.
- - Vehicle material production
- - Vehicle assembly
- - Vehicle disposal/recycling
- - Battery production (for EVs)
GREET in Tax Credit Calculations
GREET is used to calculate lifecycle GHG emissions for hydrogen production:
- Includes emissions from feedstock production
- Accounts for electricity source emissions
- Considers process emissions at production facility
- Results determine credit tier (0.45 to 4 kg CO2e/kg H2)
GREET provides the baseline and pathway emissions data:
- Petroleum baseline: 50 kg CO2e/mmBTU
- Calculates lifecycle emissions for clean fuel pathways
- Includes SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) pathways
- Must achieve 25% reduction vs. baseline to qualify
GREET Resources
Official source for GREET Model downloads, documentation, and updates.
Visit GREET WebsiteLearn more about how lifecycle analysis applies to clean energy tax credits.
View GuideDetailed information about clean hydrogen production credits and requirements.
Learn More