Greenization factor as a sustainability measure for energy systems

Abstract

In this study, both utilization and importance of a greenization factor are emphasized. This factor is defined based on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of greenized energy system with respect to the base case of the reference system. Energy system with greenization factor of 1 reflect a fully greenized system with no or minimum negative environmental impact, when greenization factor of 0 indicates the reference system. The usefulness of greenization factor is demonstrated through a case study of a steam Rankine power plant for which various options of system greenization are assessed and compared based on greenization factor criterion. Exergy efficiency, improvement potential and exergetic sustainability index are also used in the comparative assessment. It is concluded that greenization factor can play a relevant role for energy system assessment in view of environmental impact reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction and improved sustainability. This will definitely contribute to identification and promotion of those solutions which lead to global warming effect reduction.