Life cycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions of China's power generation on spatial and temporal scale

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the “cradle‐to‐gate” greenhouse gas (GHG) intensities of six types of power generation in China are analyzed using a life cycle assessment approach, including wind power, solar photovoltaic power, nuclear power, hydropower, biomass power, and thermal power. According to the mix of regional power grids in China and GHG intensities of various types of power generation, the GHG intensities of hybrid power on regional power grid scale are calculated. The results show that they are closely corresponding to the grid mix of each region. Besides, the value of northeast China is the highest and the largest variation between regions is about twice. Furthermore, the efforts made by the Chinese government promoting energy shift are expected to accelerate the decrease of the electricity system GHG intensity to 376.9 gCO2‐eq/kW h by 2035, about 51.0% lower than that in 2017. And the total GHG emissions are predicted to reach 4.5 × 109 tCO2‐eq in 2035, while in “below 2°C” scenario this value will decrease to 3.6 × 109 tCO2‐eq. This study compiles the life cycle inventory of China's electricity generation on spatial and temporal scale, and can provide suggestions on the development of regional and national electricity systems.