Performance Analysis of a Conventional and Renewable Energy based Electric Power Generation Systems – A Comparative LCA Study

Abstract

Electricity, a readily usable form of energy is much in demand in developing countries like India due to the increase in human population and their improved lifestyles. One of the criteria to achieve the developed country tag is per capita consumption of electricity. It means that all developed countries have energy-intensive economies. With climate change effects are coming into fore, countries started scrutinizing the sources of energy and electricity too. Resource intensive traditional or conventional sources of energy with matured technologies on one side and alternative energy technologies that include renewable with developed or yet to fully developed technologies on the other side are competing for electricity pie in almost in every country. This study adopts the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to determine the energy efficiency and environmental impact assessment of two competing electric power generation systems, one based on conventional energy source and another one based on the renewable energy source. It is a common knowledge that renewable systems have better energy efficiency as they do not consume fuel energy as input and also have lower carbon emissions. This study projects what extent they are better for a unit of electricity produced by both competing systems in terms of predefined metrics such as ERR/EPBT, GWP and GWMP in terms of CO2 equivalents and Green Rating for comparative purposes. The study results may be useful for policymakers as a component in the comprehensive decision-making process for energy planning to meet the future human need or greed for electricity with sustainability and also to achieve circular economy goals.

Evaluating Sustainable Practices for Managing Residue Derived from Wheat Straw

“…All the fundamental terms, guiding ideas, methodological elements, and real-world LCA applications are covered by these standards. An LCA is used to evaluate the environmental impact and energy efficiency of a system, process, or product from the point of production to the point of disposal [ 25 ]. An LCA can offer crucial insights into environmental impacts, notably showcasing significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions [ 26 , 27 ].…”