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Quantifying the ecosystem services values of electricity generation in the US Chihuahuan Desert: A life cycle perspective

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  • Sarah M. Jordaan
  • Junghun Lee
  • Maureen R. McClung
  • Matthew D. Moran

Abstract

Despite increasing attention, the quantification of ecosystem services values in life cycle assessment (LCA) remains nascent relative to other impact categories. In this analysis, we develop and implement a novel approach for quantifying both land requirements and ecosystem services values based on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity framework. Our case study focuses on energy infrastructure in the US portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, a location that has high resource potential for multiple types of energy. The analysis focuses on the land requirements of three types of power plants from a life cycle perspective: natural gas, solar, and wind. The mean land‐use intensity for natural gas, solar, and wind electricity is estimated to be 0.27, 0.68, and 0.064 meters squared per Megawatt‐hour (m2/MWh), respectively. When considering cumulative land use of the upstream natural gas supply chain, solar breaks even with gas within 10 years. Mean ecosystem services costs are $0.54, $1.39, and $0.12 USD/MWh for electricity generated from natural gas, solar, and wind, respectively. Ecosystem services costs for developments in this region are low relative to levelized costs of electricity (

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah M. Jordaan & Junghun Lee & Maureen R. McClung & Matthew D. Moran, 2021. "Quantifying the ecosystem services values of electricity generation in the US Chihuahuan Desert: A life cycle perspective," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 1089-1101, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:25:y:2021:i:4:p:1089-1101
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13111
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    2. Chen, Haojie & Costanza, Robert, 2024. "Valuation and management of desert ecosystems and their services," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    3. Silva, Daiane Vitória da & Pavan, Ana Laura Raymundo & Faria, Luiz Carlos de & Piekarski, Cassiano Moro & Saavedra, Yovana María Barrera & Lopes Silva, Diogo A., 2024. "Opportunities to integrate Ecosystem Services into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): a case study of milk production in Brazil," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    4. Benedetto Rugani & Philippe Osset & Olivier Blanc & Enrico Benetto, 2023. "Environmental Footprint Neutrality Using Methods and Tools for Natural Capital Accounting in Life Cycle Assessment," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-30, June.
    5. Dale A. Devitt & Lorenzo Apodaca & Brian Bird & John P. Dawyot & Lynn Fenstermaker & Matthew D. Petrie, 2022. "Assessing the Impact of a Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Facility on a Down Gradient Mojave Desert Ecosystem," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-20, August.

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