Publication: Environmental impacts of electricity generation at global, regional and national scales in 1980-2011: What can we learn for future energy planning?
Authors
Laurent, Alexis ; Espinosa, Nieves
item.page.secondaryauthor
item.page.director
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
publication.page.editor
publication.page.department
DOI
https://doi.org/ 10.1039/C4EE03832K
item.page.type
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The generation of electricity has been known to cause important damages to ecosystems and human health.
The recognition of the global challenges posed by climate change and energy security has guided several
countries to change their electricity policies over the past decades. However, have such changes entailed
reduced or increased environmental impacts? Are there any identifiable patterns that could serve for steering
future energy planning? To address these questions, we applied life cycle assessment to quantify a whole
spectrum of environmental impacts caused by electricity generation in 199 countries for the period 1980–
2011, with national differentiation of energy sources and, wherever possible, technology efficiencies. The
results show that (i) environmental impact burden-shifting has occurred in the past for several countries as a
result of national policies, (ii) all environmental impacts have globally increased since 1980 but with faster
increase rates over the last decade, and (iii) important variations exist in the impact trends across countries
and across impact categories. Our findings therefore demonstrate the need for integrating quantitative
assessments of all relevant environmental impacts associated with foreseen energy systems when identifying
the most sustainable energy pathways. We provide recommendations on the use of life cycle assessment for
such purposes with a strong focus on application at the country level so that it can directly support national
energy policy-making.
publication.page.subject
Citation
Journal Energy & Environmental Science, Volume8 , 689–701
item.page.embargo
Collections
Ir a Estadísticas
Sin licencia Creative Commons.