The Necessity and Implementation of Life Cycle Assessment in Power Plants: Principles, Steps, and Environmental Significance - A Review

The rising global energy demand and the environmental challenges associated with electricity generation highlight the need for comprehensive assessment methods. This paper examines the necessity and application of life cycle assessment (LCA) in power plants. This study applies LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of power plants across all life cycle stages, including raw material extraction, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life management. The findings demonstrate that LCA helps identify environmental hotspots, optimize resource use, and support informed decision-making in technology selection and energy policy, preventing the underestimation of environmental burdens. Furthermore, integrating economic and social perspectives enhances strategic planning and promotes cleaner, more responsible electricity generation. The findings underscore the value of LCA as a critical tool for advancing sustainable energy development and minimizing the environmental footprint of power generation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Life cycle assessment ، Power plants ، Environmental impacts ، Sustainable energy