Carbon footprint inventory using life cycle energy analysis

Abstract Using Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA), the authors conduct the case study of the global most extensive 181-MWp offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) deployment at Taiwan’s Changhua Coastal Industrial Park station on carbon footprint inventory (CFI) by tracking one of the world’s top ten solar cell and module manufacturers with a high-quality management system. The EU initiated the “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (CBAM) 2021 to achieve the 2050 net-zero-carbon emission objective. Land elements challenge Taiwan’s solar energy industry due to its territory scarcity. Installing the OFPV system is attainable after the sector has demonstrated convincing attempts on reservoirs, detention ponds, and sea coasts in the past few years. The results show the project will produce 4529.2 GWh over 25 years and subside approximately 2305.4 kilo-tons (kt) of CO_2 emission. It generates an average of about 496 MWh daily into the grid, accounting for 1.41% of Taiwan’s 35 GWh peak energy generation. Additionally, the investor will achieve approximately US$43.8 million of potential carbon credit. The findings help PV systems’ CFI and decision-makers determine energy infrastructure strategies. Graphical abstract Monthly power generation duration curves Highlights 1. As greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have not reached the promises, many countries addressed ensuring net-zero CO_2 emissions by 2050 to curtail the global temperature rise by 1.5 °C. 2. The EU initiated a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) to impose carbon credit from 2023. 3. Establishing the EU emissions trading systems (ETS) benefits a zero-carbon economy and GHG emissions. 4. The life cycle energy analysis (LCEA) is a practical energy return evaluation for carbon footprint inventory (CFI). 5. Using the CFI of product-product category rules (CFP-PCR) formulated by Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA), the author performed the global most extensive 181-MWp offshore FPV system at Taiwan’s Changhua Coastal Industrial Park in a 25-year lifespan. Discussion Performing emission mitigation measures results in cost savings through enhanced energy efficiency; establishing ETS to serve carbon credit transactions will bring potential benefits [92]. The CFI is critical for organizations committed to taking proactive steps to address climate change and sustainability, and see-through addressing CFI strengthens stakeholder confidence and association with investors and customers. Taiwan’s land scarcity confines its PV industry development. It is crucial for the authorities to thoroughly investigate and affirm which coastal areas are accessible for erecting FPV to increase clean energy use, as improving the CFI is imperative.