Wells to Wire: Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Gas-Fired Electricity

This book provides an unbiased, comprehensive examination of the state of knowledge for life cycle assessments (LCAs) of natural gas-fired electricity, covering a suite of environmental impact categories. It introduces readers to the field of LCA using natural gas-fired electricity as a case study and provides a comprehensive review of the state of the art in life cycle data, research, and scientific debate related to this product system. It also elucidates data and methodological challenges inherent to the field and explores how to conduct LCA, describing the analysis from the perspective of a numerator and denominator. Students, instructors, LCA practitioners, and energy professionals will benefit from the introduction to data and methods, as well as this useful summary of the state of the art in the field. Policymakers and the interested public can learn more about the implications of LCA results for decision-support and the commentary about the economics of natural gas and its role as a bridge fuel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 115 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of life cycle assessments (LCAs) for natural gas-fired electricity, offering an unbiased and thorough examination of the current state of knowledge in this field. It encompasses a wide range of environmental impact categories, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental consequences associated with gas-fired power generation.

To introduce the concept of LCA and its application to gas-fired electricity, the book begins by exploring the life cycle environmental impacts of this energy source. It highlights the advancements in methods and data used in LCA, as well as the limitations and challenges that exist in the field. Natural gas, particularly as a fuel for electricity generation, serves as a dichotomy within energy and environmental systems analysis, as it is considered one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels but still has significant environmental impacts.

The book serves as an invaluable resource for students, instructors, LCA practitioners, and energy professionals. It provides a comprehensive introduction to data and methods, while also offering a valuable summary of the state-of-the-art in life cycle data, research, and scientific debate related to gas-fired electricity. With each chapter, the complexity of undertaking a LCA of gas-fired power is unraveled, moving beyond a simple fraction to the expansive network of infrastructure examined in this type of research.

Furthermore, the book offers valuable insights for policymakers and the interested public, shedding light on the implications of LCA results for decision-support and the economics of natural gas and its role as a bridge fuel. It provides a useful reference for those seeking to understand the environmental and economic aspects of gas-fired electricity and its potential contributions to sustainable energy systems.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of LCA and offers a comprehensive examination of the state of knowledge for life cycle assessments of natural gas-fired electricity. It provides a valuable resource for students, professionals, policymakers, and the general public, helping to advance our understanding of the environmental and economic implications of this energy source.

Weight: 215g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030719739
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021