Integral assessment of low-carbon energy sources effectiveness based on multi-criteria analysis

Abstract

The study applies the multi-criteria analysis of various low-carbon energy sources to assess their ecological and economical effectiveness. The work is specific by researching renewable energy sources as well as traditional ones which take hydrocarbon fuel by using innovative technologies of carbon dioxide capturing and its storage. The analysis applies three parameters: LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy)/LEC (Levelized Energy Cost), specific value of carbon dioxide emission in electrical power generation and total MI (Material Input) - numbers. The study results in educing low-carbon energy sources which not only lead to the most reduction of carbon dioxide emission with least costs but also help reduce the general negative impact on the environment due to decreasing violence of biosphere material energy flows. The research states that wind power plants are the most effective, followed by solar and geothermal energy sources. Gas and coal-fired power stations, using technologies of carbon dioxide capturing, are less effective than renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, despite significant divergence in two out of three parameters, they have an identical summative assessment of efficiency because gas power stations have higher utilization costs than coal-fired power stations.