Net energy analysis and life cycle energy assessment of electricity supply in Chile: Present status and future scenarios. (1st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raugei, Marco; Leccisi, Enrica; Fthenakis, Vasilis; Escobar Moragas, Rodrigo; Simsek, Yeliz
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 162(2018)
• Page Start: 659
• Page End: 668
• Publication Date: 2018-11-01
• Subjects: Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.08.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Chile is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, with a mainly fossil fuelled electricity demand and a population projected to surpass 20 million by 2035. Chile is undergoing a transition to renewable energies due to ambitious national targets, namely to generate 60% of its electricity from local renewable energy by 2035, and to achieve a 45%renewable energy share for all new electric installed capacity. In this work, we present a comprehensive energy analysis of the electricity generation technologies currently deployed in Chile. Then, we analyse potential future scenarios, considering a large deployment of RE, mainly PV and wind, to replace coal-fired electricity. The life cycle assessment (LCA) and net energy analysis (NEA) methods are applied in parallel to provide complementary indicators, respectively nr-CED and EROI, and identify weak spots and future opportunities. Special focus is given to the effect on EROI of transporting fossil fuels to Chile. Results show that a large deployment of PV and wind can significantly improve the overall net energy performance of electricity generation in Chile, while leading to an electricity supply mix that is >60% less reliant on non-renewable energy. Highlights: The current energy performance of electricity generation in Chile is assessed. Non-renewable CED and EROI metrics are calculated for all electricity technologies. Future grid mix scenarios with high PV and wind penetration are investigated. PV and wind can reduce the grid's dependence on non-renewable energy by over 60%. PV and wind can also improve the net energy performance of Chilean electricity.