Acidification potential estimation for small hydropower using LCA methodology in India

Small hydropower (SHP) systems are widely considered environmentally sustainable, but they still contribute to emissions during the construction and maintenance phase. This study evaluates the life cycle acidification potential of different SHP projects in India using life cycle assessment (LCA) tec...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Goel, Varun, Nautiyal, Himanshu, Kumar, Janmejay, Sethi, Muneesh, Alam, Tabish, singh, Tej, Khargotra, Rohit
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Repositorio:DDFV. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddfv.ufv.es:10641/7523
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10641/7523
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Acidification
Electricity
Emissions
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Small hydropower (SHP)
General
SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Journal Article
Yes
yes
Descripción
Sumario:Small hydropower (SHP) systems are widely considered environmentally sustainable, but they still contribute to emissions during the construction and maintenance phase. This study evaluates the life cycle acidification potential of different SHP projects in India using life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques. SO2eq emissions from these projects vary between 0.065 and 0.325 g/kWh, depending on the project type—run-of-river, canal-based, or dam-toe—as well as their respective size (capacity) and location. The predictive models developed here accurately estimate these emissions and provide practical tools for minimizing environmental impacts in for the prediction of future SHP projects. By optimizing project design and selecting appropriate parameters, SHP projects can significantly reduce their acidification potential, making them a cleaner alternative for renewable energy development.