A new model to assess the environmental impact and sustainability of energy systems. (15th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hacatoglu, K.; Dincer, I.; Rosen, M.A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 103(2015:Sep. 15)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2015-09-15
• Subjects: Sustainability -- Energy system -- Greenhouse gas -- Stratospheric ozone -- Weighting factor -- Multi-criteria decision analysis; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.06.050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This study develops a novel sustainability assessment methodology for energy systems using life-cycle emission factors and sustainability indicators. Here, the global warming and environmental impact dimensions of the sustainability assessment methodology are examined in detail. A comparative analysis shows that a wind-battery system produces fewer potential global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, air pollution, and water pollution impacts compared to a gas-fired system. The wind-battery system generates 13% of the life-cycle GHG emissions and 22% of the life-cycle ozone-depleting substance emissions of a gas-fired power plant. Nitrous oxide contributes more than 90% of the stratospheric ozone depletion potential of gas-fired and wind-battery systems. Highlights: We assess the environmental sustainability of a gas-fired power plant and wind-battery system. The wind-battery system has a lower environmental impact over its life cycle. Carbon emission reductions and higher standard of living with wind-battery system. Nitrous oxide is responsible for more than 90% of stratospheric ozone depletion.