Web tool for energy policy decision-making through geo-localized LCA models: A focus on offshore wind farms in Northern Europe

Abstract

Environmental performances of electricity generation, expressed as environmental impacts per kWh of electricity produced, depend strongly on technical, methodological and geographical parameters. When considering the global environmental performances of renewable energies, a geo-dependent life cycle assessment (LCA) taking into account geographical issues is of high. To illustrate this issue, a web map service enabling “geolocalized life cycle assessment” of offshore wind farms for different configurations has been developed. Based on a modular LCA model and on collaborative works made within the framework of the FP7 co-funded project EnerGEO, the developed tool should help decision makers in assessing the global environmental impacts caused by an offshore wind farm in Northern Europe.