Life Cycle Assessment of Electricity Production from Natural Gas Combined Cycle

Abstract

Natural gas has the largest share of utility power generation in Turkey, accounting for approximately 61.3% of all utility-produced electricity. Therefore, understanding the environmental implications of producing electricity from natural gas combined cycle is an important component of any plan to reduce total emissions and resource consumption. In this aim, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for production of electricity from natural gas was performed. A process consisting of only electricity generation was formed. CML 2 baseline 2000 method included in SimaPro 7.0 software was used for the assessment. 1 kWh electricity production was selected as the functional unit. Data regarding the average technology for similar production facilities were obtained from literature and website of a facility. The results were given from the perspectives of impact categories. According to results, NO(2) emissions were the main factor for human toxicity, acidification and eutrophication. On the other hand, CH(4) emissions due to 65% fuel use ratio were key contributors for global warming potential impact.