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Environmental and Economic Constraints on the Use of Lubricant Oils for Wind and Hydropower Generation: The Case of NATURGY

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  • Gabriel A. González-Reyes

    (Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Susana Bayo-Besteiro

    (EPhysLab & CIM, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jordi Vich Llobet

    (Naturgy, 28033 Madrid, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Juan A. Añel

    (EPhysLab & CIM, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Lubricant oil is an essential element in wind and hydropower generation. We present a lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the lubricant oils (mineral, synthetic and biodegradable) used in hydropower and wind power generation. The results are given in terms of energy used, associated emissions and costs. We find that, for the oil turbines and regulation systems considered here, biodegradable oil is a better option in terms of energy and CO 2 equivalent emissions than mineral or synthetic oils, from production and recycling through to handling. However, synthetic and mineral oils are better options due to the potential risks associated with the use of biodegradable oil, generally when it comes into contact with water. There are also significant savings to be made in the operation of wind turbines when using an improved type of synthetic oil.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel A. González-Reyes & Susana Bayo-Besteiro & Jordi Vich Llobet & Juan A. Añel, 2020. "Environmental and Economic Constraints on the Use of Lubricant Oils for Wind and Hydropower Generation: The Case of NATURGY," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:10:p:4242-:d:361442
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Yuxuan & Sun, Tianye, 2012. "Life cycle assessment of CO2 emissions from wind power plants: Methodology and case studies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 30-36.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jiajun Liu & Haokun Lin & Yue Liu & Lei Xiong & Chenjing Li & Tinghu Zhou & Mike Ma, 2023. "Global Relation-Aware-Based Oil Detection Method for Water Surface of Catchment Wells in Hydropower Stations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Emanuele Quaranta, 2023. "Lubricant Oil Consumption and Opportunities for Oil-Free Turbines in the Hydropower Sector: A European Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-7, January.

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