Energy Analysis

Energy Analysis

The Energy Analysis at NREL newsletter highlights the lab's analysts and analysis activities in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are having an impact on U.S. energy goals. The newsletter features recent publications and websites, updates to our models and tools, and staff activities. You can subscribe to receive the newsletter monthly by email.

 

GHGs from Electricity Produced from Shale Gas on Par with Conventional Natural Gas, but Verified Measurements Still Needed

 

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences re-analyzes existing estimates of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity generated from shale gas and finds they are similar to those from conventionally-produced natural gas—and that both energy sources, on average, emit approximately half the GHG emissions of coal-powered electricity. However, under particular circumstances, the emissions for conventional and shale gas electricity can reach levels approaching best-performing coal-fired plants.

"Harmonization of Initial Estimates of Shale Gas Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Electric Power Generation" uses a meta-analytical technique called harmonization to compare existing studies estimating life cycle GHG emissions from shale gas, conventionally-produced natural gas, and coal. "With a more 'apples-to-apples' comparison provided by harmonization, a clear tendency emerges in the published literature. We see that life cycle GHG emissions from electricity generated from shale gas are similar to those from conventionally-produced natural gas," said study lead author Garvin Heath. Patrick O'Donoughue of NREL and Douglas J. Arent and Morgan Bazilian of JISEA also contributed to the work.

The PNAS article, like a recently published NREL article in Science, emphasizes the importance of actual measurements to understanding impacts of energy options, many of which are underway and should be available in the near future. "Verified measurements of emissions from components and activities throughout the natural gas supply chain, and robust analysis of lifetime well production and the prevalence of practices to reduce emissions, should follow our current analyses to help create a more robust understanding of our energy options," said Arent. "This study confirms findings of prior estimates, but estimates cannot replicate the accuracy of actual measurements."

                                                                                                              Come from: http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/news/index.html#aug_ghg