Multiregional environmental comparison of fossil fuel power generation—Assessment of the contribution of fugitive emissions from conventional and unconventional fossil resources. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bouman, Evert A.; Ramirez, Andrea; Hertwich, Edgar G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of greenhouse gas control. Volume 33(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide capture and storage -- Life cycle assessment -- Fugitive emissions -- Coal -- Natural gas -- Electricity generation; Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Air -- Purification -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Gaz à effet de serre -- Périodiques; Gaz à effet de serre -- Réduction -- Périodiques; Air -- Purification -- Technological innovations; Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; 363.73874605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2014.11.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-5836

Abstract

Highlights: We model life cycle GHG emissions for fossil electricity generation. Total life cycle GHG emissions vary considerably with fugitive methane emissions. We find that the contribution of fugitive emissions ranges from 3% to 56%. High variability points to significant uncertainty and natural variability. Controlling fuel chain methane emissions is a significant opportunities for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Abstract: In this paper we investigate the influence of fugitive methane emissions from coal, natural gas, and shale gas extraction on the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of fossil fuel power generation through its life cycle. A multiregional hybridized life cycle assessment (LCA) model is used to evaluate several electricity generation technologies with and without carbon dioxide capture and storage. Based on data from the UNFCCC and other literature sources, it is shown that methane emissions from fossil fuel production vary more widely than commonly acknowledged in the LCA literature. This high variability, together with regional disparity in methane emissions, points to the existence of both significant uncertainty and natural variability. The results indicate that the impact of fugitive methane emissions can be significant, ranging from 3% to 56% of total impacts depending on type of technology and region. Total GHG emissions, in CO2 -eq./kWh, vary considerably according to the region of the power plant, plant type, and the choice of associated fugitive methane emissions, with values as low as 0.08 kg CO2 -eq./kWh and as high as 1.52 kg CO2 -eq./kWh. The variability indicates significant opportunities for controlling methane emissions from fuel chains.