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- 1. LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF ADVANCED POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS Victor Gorokhov, Lynn Manfredo, Jay Ratafia-Brown, and Massood Ramezan Science Applications International Corporation Gary Stiegel U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory ABSTRACT Advanced, fossil-fired power generation technologies are under development to satisfy increasingly stringent environmental standards and improve operating efficiencies. Quantification of the environmental performance advantages of these new technologies is critical to their future acceptance relative to conventional technologies. The objective of this study was to develop and apply a consistent methodology for all phases of fossil energy production, including processing and transportation of all resources and products, as well as the plant construction and demolition. The methodology used in this study has three major elements: 1) system scoping, 2) emissions inventory assessment, and 3) impact assessment. Simulation results from ASPEN computer modeling were used to scope and characterize the basic power plant island and provide a core material and energy balance. An inventory assessment was then conducted by developing a comprehensive inventory model with the LCAdvantageTM computer program. The emissions inventory results were used to conduct the life cycle impact analysis. This paper describes the analytical methodology and presents the initial results of its application to gasification-based power systems. Published in Technology: A Journal of Science Serving Legislative, Regulatory, and Judicial Systems, Volume 8, pp.217-228, Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2002