Sustainability assessment of integrated energy technologies

SustEnergy aims to develop a dedicated life cycle assessment (LCA) model targeting assessment of integrated energy technologies. The goal is to provide a consistent platform for quantification of the sustainability of energy technologies and energy systems, and to enable technology owners to prioritize their development efforts according to environmental benefit. The LCA model is developed based on the modeling tool EASETECH which has a wide user base within residual resource management. The outcome of the project is a modeling tool that will facilitate process-oriented LCA modeling of energy technologies and offer end-users with a library of ready-to-use LCA sub-models (i.e. life-cycle datasets plus models of relevant unit processes comprising key biological and thermal energy technologies). The project has the following specific objectives:

1) Establish process-oriented life-cycle inventories for integrated energy technologies, focusing on P2G concepts as a useful case. 2) Further develop the existing EASETECH model to facilitate process-oriented LCA modeling.

3) Establish relevant LCA sub-models in EASETECH and thereby provide the "building blocks" for process-oriented modelling of integrated energy technologies.

4) Perform relevant case studies addressing selected P2G concepts.

5) Disseminate and communicate modeling principles, datasets and use of the modeling tool.