Method for determining environmental profiles of fluctuating power generation

With the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, technologies are increasingly being electrified. Examples include electric cars and heat pumps. However, fluctuating power generation from wind and sun and the irregular operation of combustion power plants already lead to environmental profiles of the power supply that vary over time. For electricity consuming products, it is therefore highly relevant when and with which mix the electricity is generated. The HD-LCA method (Hourly Defined Life Cycle Assessment) makes it possible to determine environmental profiles of the current and future power supply in hourly resolution. The electricity and heat generation of individual power plants, start-up and shut-down processes and varying efficiencies and emissions at partial load are taken into account. The application of the method to the example of the German electricity supply in 2014 shows that the hourly resolution of the greenhouse potential and other environmental impacts entails significant deviations compared to annual mean values. The HD-LCA method contributes to the ecological design of the power supply and the development of ecological products through the realistic life cycle assessment.