Micro-generation for 2050: Life-cycle carbon footprint of micro-generation sources

This paper investigates the CO₂ emissions of a micro-generation system during its whole life-cycle, including manufacturing, operation and decommissioning. Component and material breakdown is performed. The embodied carbon from the manufacturing process is assessed. Results suggest that approximately two thirds of the CO₂ emissions would be avoided with the studied configuration. Still, the emissions are found to be comparable with conventional generation. Part-loading of a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine would increase the system emissions by more than 20%.