Integration of life-cycle indicators into energy optimisation models: the case study of power generation in Norway

This work presents methodological advances in the integration of life-cycle indicators into energy system optimisation models. Challenges in hybridising energy modelling and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies are summarised, which includes imbalances in electricity trade processes and double counting of emissions. A robust framework for the soft-linking of LCA and TIMES is proposed for application to the case study of power generation in Norway. The TIMES-Norway model is used, taking into account the base-case scenario with a time frame from 2010 to 2050. Results show that the life-cycle indicators implemented (climate change, ecosystem quality, and human health) evolve in accordance with the appearance of new power generation technologies. Thus, life-cycle impacts are linked to the entrance of new wind turbines from 2014 to 2035 and, from then on, to the new hydropower run-of-river plants. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.