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Negligible carbon costs of UHVDC infrastructure delivering renewable electricity.

Authors :
Zhang, Yijia
Liu, Ti
Yao, Lin
Song, Qiujin
Gao, Chaochao
Source :
Resources, Conservation & Recycling; May2023, Vol. 192, pN.PAG-N.PAG, 1p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

• Field survey of fifteen 500kV power line and a 8000MW convertor station is conducted. • Raw material and equipment production contribute over 90% emissions, recycle saves 25%. • Construction carbon emissions of nine UHVDC projects in China are estimated. • A negligible carbon cost is found if the projects deliver green electricity full load. Ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission make it possible for efficient large-scale long-distance renewable energy deliver, while the infrastructure construction consumes significant amounts of material and energy. The carbon tradeoffs are often overlooked, however, hindering a holistic evaluation of its climate benefits. Here, by collecting field construction data from fifteen 500 kV transmission projects and applying the field data in a Life Cycle Assessment framework, we estimate the infrastructure-induced emissions of nine recently-constructed UHVDC projects in China to be 16.7 Mt CO 2 , which is negligible compare to an annual reduction of 305.2 Mt CO 2 these projects contribute by delivering renewable electricity at full load, multiplied by a 40-yr service lifetime. The tradeoff results may evolve with advancing energy storage technology at exporting region or CCUS application at importing region. Low-carbon strategies for UHVDC construction are therefore favored, especially under China's commitment to expanding UHVDC construction along the Belt and Road Initiative. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09213449
Volume :
192
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Resources, Conservation & Recycling
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
162324398
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.106940