Life Cycle Assessment for Energy Choices Driving The Energy Transition: Episode 18
The energy transition is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing energy supply. To do this, we must be able to measure and verify impacts. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the tool for assessing emissions for different pathways of producing and using energy.
It can determine the amount of COâ‚‚ and air pollutants released in combusting fuel to power a car, and compare that to the option of using electricity in a battery electric vehicle, or hydrogen for a fuel cell vehicle. Figure ET-23 shows an assessment comparing greenhouse gas emissions in COâ‚‚ equivalents per mile, for light-duty vehicle options, both using 2018 vehicles and energy sources, and projections for future technology [1].
Argonne National Labs has standardized these assessments via its GREET model [2]. Standardization is important in providing reliable information in deciding between options, or in deploying policy incentives for efficient transportation.
Figure ET-23: Life Cycle Assessment of Light Duty Vehicle Options (2018)
ICEV = internal combustion engine vehicle
HEV = hybrid electric vehicle
PHEV = plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
FCEV = fuel cell electric vehicle
BEV = battery electric vehicle [1]
References
1. A. Elgowainy, J. Han, J. Ward, F. Joseck, D. Gohlke, A. Lindauer, T. Ramsden, M. Biddy, M. Alexander, S. Barnhart, I. Sutherland, L. Verduzco and T. J. Wallington, Current and Future United States Light-Duty Vehicle Pathways: Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Assessment, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2018, 52, 2392–2399.
2. U.S. Department of Energy, R&D GREET Life Cycle Assess Model.