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Eco-environmental, and social impacts of producing electricity with various renewable energy sources

Author

Listed:
  • Aridi, Rima
  • Aridi, Mona
  • Pannier, Marie-Lise
  • Lemenand, Thierry

Abstract

The shift towards renewable energy is crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Exploring the diverse impacts of renewable energy sources is essential to guide future investments and policies. This study comprehensively compares five different renewable energy sources—solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and pumped storage—used to produce electricity, focusing on their economic, environmental, and social impacts. Economic evaluations are conducted using the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), revealing values of approximately 0.048, 0.030, 0.065, 0.045, and 0.085 €/kWh for the respective sources. Environmental impacts are assessed using the OpenLCA software, which evaluates ten midpoint impact categories that culminate in three endpoint damages: human health, ecosystem health, and natural resources. Accordingly, the Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI) was calculated, with results indicating values of around 0.0104, 0.0045, 0.0019, 0.0004, and 0.0180 €/kWh. Additionally, the social impacts these renewable energy sources are considered, highlighting the broader implications of their adoption. This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed understanding of the trade-offs involved in choosing different renewable energy sources, aiming to support sustainable energy transition strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Aridi, Rima & Aridi, Mona & Pannier, Marie-Lise & Lemenand, Thierry, 2025. "Eco-environmental, and social impacts of producing electricity with various renewable energy sources," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225007819
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135139
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bharadwaj. L, Mukund & Sankargupta, Rakshith & Madurai Elavarasan, Rajvikram & Devaraj, Elangovan & Nandagopal, Arun, 2026. "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis framework: Transitioning from coal to Large-Scale Photovoltaics in Australia for achieving SDG 7," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 405(C).
    2. Zhong, Fanghao & Ai, Tianchao & Zhao, Jianghan & Qu, Ming & Liu, Zhuo & Wei, Xiang & Song, Yangfan & Chen, Hongwei, 2025. "Significantly enhanced temperature uniformity and prolonging lifespan in a novel concentrated photovoltaic/liquid-flow ionic thermocell hybrid system through tapered-channel thermal management," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).
    3. Chen, Bangqi & Luan, Zhengxiao & He, Guanghua & He, Runhua & Liu, Chaogang, 2026. "Techno-economic assessment of wave energy converters arranged on an octagonal platform using multiple financial parameters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PA).
    4. Bi, Tianjiao & Zhang, Bin & Chen, Wei & Li, Jian & Yang, Zhiwei & Wang, Yupeng & Zhang, Xuelin & Xue, Xiaodai, 2025. "Study on the applicability of a horizontal well in compressed air energy storage in aquifer," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 329(C).
    5. Chen, Huixiang & Li, Xiaobo & Zhao, Feng & Chen, Jinbo & Léonce, Mossandre Aboule & Kan, Kan, 2025. "Multi-objective optimization of hydraulic performance of an ultra-low head axial-flow turbine with improved blade camber line configuration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).

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