Hydropower life-cycle inventories: Methodological considerations and results based on a brazilian experience

Abstract

Hydropower studies are among the least discussed themes concerning energy systems life-cycle assessments (LCA). This scarcity may be related both to the relevance of this energy source in only a small group of countries and to the difficulty in obtaining the necessary data to conduct those evaluations. The present chapter gives some useful insights regarding specifically the construction of hydropower life-cycle inventories (LCI), aiming to help LCA practitioners involved with environmental evaluation of this source of electricity. Starting with a brief review of the available studies, methodological considerations are given, separated by each LCI methodological step. These recommendations are illustrated with a case study of Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant, the largest energy plant in operation worldwide, leading to conclusions and recommendations for further studies. With the present chapter, the authors hope not only to guide, but encourage the conduction of new hydropower plants LCIs, in order to improve the actual LCA databases used for renewable energy sources comparison.