Life cycle assessment of electricity generation in Mexico

This paper presents for the first time a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of electricity generation in Mexico. The electricity mix in Mexico is dominated by fossil fuels, which contribute around 79% to the total primary energy; renewable energies contribute 16.5% (hydropower 13.5%, geothermal 3% and wind 0.02%) and the remaining 4.8% is from nuclear power. The LCA results show that 225 TWh of electricity generate about 129 million tonnes of CO2 eq. per year, of which the majority (87%) is due to the combustion of fossil fuels. The renewables and nuclear contribute only 1.1% to the total CO2 eq. Most of the other LCA impacts are also attributed to the fossil fuel options. The results have been compared with values reported for other countries with similar electricity mix, including Italy, Portugal and the UK, showing good agreement.

► This paper presents for the first time a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of electricity generation in Mexico. ► 129 million tonnes of CO2 eq. per year are emitted from 225 TWh of electricity generated per year of which 87% is due to the combustion of fossil fuels. ► Coal technologies generate 1094 g CO2 eq./kWh, heavy fuel oil 964 g CO2 eq./kWh, and gas 468 g CO2 eq./kWh; by contrast, nuclear and hydro emit 12 g CO2 eq./kWh. ► Heavy fuel oil contributes most to the life cycle environmental impacts (59–97%). ► The results show good agreement with values reported for other countries with similar electricity mix, including Italy, Portugal and the UK.