Life cycle analyses of bulk-scale solid oxide fuel cell power plants and comparisons to the natural gas combined cycle

In this work, detailed cradle-to-grave life cycle analyses are performed for a current state-of-the art natural gas combined cycle and a bulk-scale solid fuel cell power plant fuelled by natural gas. Life cycle inventories are performed for multiple configurations of each plant, including designs with carbon capture capability. Consistent boundaries (including all supply chain and upstream processes) and unit bases for each process are defined for each process. The ReCiPe 2008 life cycle assessment method is used to quantify the impacts of each plant at both mid- and end-point levels. Three impact assessment perspectives (individualist, hierarchist, and egalitarian) are considered. The results of these life cycle analyses are compared in order to determine the environmental trade-offs between potential power generation pathways. Results indicate that power generation using solid oxide fuel cells has a smaller life cycle impact than the natural gas combined cycle when the entire life cycle of each option is considered.