Life cycle GHG emission analysis of power generation systems: Japanese case

This study presents the results of a life cycle analysis (LCA) of greenhouse gas emissions from power generation systems in order to understand the characteristics of these systems from the perspective of global warming. Nine different types of power generation systems were examined: coal-fired, oil-fired, LNG-fired, LNG-combined cycle, nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, wind power and solar-photovoltaic (PV). Life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission per kW h of electricity generated was estimated for the systems using a combined method of process analysis and input–output analysis. First, average power generation systems reflecting the current status in Japan were examined as base cases. Second, the impacts of emerging and future nuclear, wind power and PV technologies were analyzed. Finally, uncertainties associated with some assumptions were examined to help clarify interpretation of the results.