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Life Cycle Performance of Various Energy Sources Used in the Czech Republic

Author

Listed:
  • Markéta Šerešová

    (Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Jiří Štefanica

    (ÚJV Řež, a. s, Hlavní 130, Řež, 250 68 Husinec, Czech Republic)

  • Monika Vitvarová

    (Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Kristina Zakuciová

    (Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
    ÚJV Řež, a. s, Hlavní 130, Řež, 250 68 Husinec, Czech Republic)

  • Petr Wolf

    (CTU UCEEB, Třinecká 1024, 273 43 Buštěhrad, Czech Republic)

  • Vladimír Kočí

    (Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
    Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University, 166 34 Prague, Czech Republic)

Abstract

As both the human population and living standards grow, so does the worldwide electricity demand. However, the power sector is also one of the biggest environmental polluters. Therefore, options are currently being sought aimed at reducing environmental impacts, one of the potential tools for which concerns the use of life cycle assessment. This study, therefore, focuses on the most commonly used nonrenewable (black coal, lignite, natural gas and nuclear) and renewable sources (wind, hydro and photovoltaic) in the Czech Republic in terms of their construction, operation, and decommissioning periods. Environmental impacts are assessed via the use of selected impact categories by way of product environmental footprint methodology. The results highlight the potential environmental impacts associated with electricity generation for each of the primary energy sources. Black coal and lignite power plants were found to contribute most to the global warming, resource use, energy carriers and respiratory inorganics categories. On the other hand, the impact on water depletion and resource use, mineral and metals categories were found to be most significantly affected by the production of electricity from photovoltaic power plants. Finally, it is proposed that the results be employed to design scenarios for the future energy mix.

Suggested Citation

  • Markéta Šerešová & Jiří Štefanica & Monika Vitvarová & Kristina Zakuciová & Petr Wolf & Vladimír Kočí, 2020. "Life Cycle Performance of Various Energy Sources Used in the Czech Republic," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:21:p:5833-:d:441787
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    References listed on IDEAS

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