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LNG and Coal Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

LNG and Coal Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Full Title: LNG and Coal Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Author(s): PACE Global
Publisher(s): PACE Global
Publication Date: October 1, 2015
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

This study was undertaken on behalf of the Center for LNG to evaluate greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from the LNG life cycle and compare them with GHG emissions from the coal life cycle. The scope of this assessment includes an estimate of the total life cycle GHG emissions (in metric tonnes of CO2-equivalent per megawatt hour) for each segment of the LNG supply chain from the wellhead, to the liquefaction plant, aboard a tanker for export, at the LNG receiving terminal, and as end-use for power generation. Emissions estimates are provided for each segment of the value chain as well as for the total life cycle. This assessment amounts to a life cycle analysis, or LCA. In addition to the LNG LCA, a coal LCA was performed to calculate emissions throughout the life cycle process of coal extraction, transportation, and end-use combustion for power generation. The results of the LNG and coal LCAs are compared to estimate the differences between life cycle GHG emissions stemming from power generation fueled by U.S. exported LNG versus coal in five export markets.

As discussed in further detail in Chapter 2 – Introduction, the results of the LNG and coal life cycle emissions assessments are dependent on a wide array of assumptions; outcome uncertainty is inherent due to the myriad data and analytical inputs used throughout the analysis supporting this report. This analysis is particularly sensitive to GHG emission factors, emission rates, and Global Warming Potential factors. Actual GHG emissions for both the LNG and coal life cycle analyses can vary substantially depending (inter alia) on the specific local conditions and process technologies employed.

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