Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an Integrated Solar PV and Wind Power System in Vietnam

Abstract

In Vietnam, energy generation accounts for more than half of the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. This sector has tremendous potential for emission reduction through the exploitation of renewable energy resources. This study examines the environmental impact of grid-connected solar and wind power in Vietnam, with a focus on GHG emissions. A life cycle assessment was conducted for these purposes. A case study of an integrated 50 kWp solar photovoltaics (PV) and 6 kW wind power model in the Central Highland of Vietnam was selected to illustrate the environmental impact of solar and wind power in Vietnam. The environmental inflows and outflows were quantified from raw material extraction for manufacturing components of the model, such as the panels, turbines, inverters and subsidiary components, to the end of life of the model. OpenLCA software was used for the calculation, with background data from publications and free LCA databases. The results obtained indicate that the life cycle GHG emissions are 20 gCO2e/kWh of solar PV, 3.7 gCO2e/kWh of wind power, and the total emission of the model during its 25-year lifetime is 38.28 tCO2e. If solar and wind power replace grid power, the lifetime emission reduction of the integrated solar and wind power model would be 1.8 thousand tCO2e.