Integrated Spatiotemporal Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Hydroelectric Power Generation in Brazil

Vanessa Cardoso de Albuquerque (), Rodrigo Flora Calili (), Maria Fatima Ludovico de Almeida, Rodolpho Albuquerque, Tarcisio Castro and Rafael Kelman
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Vanessa Cardoso de Albuquerque: Postgraduate Metrology Programme, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 38097, Brazil
Rodrigo Flora Calili: Postgraduate Metrology Programme, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 38097, Brazil
Maria Fatima Ludovico de Almeida: Postgraduate Metrology Programme, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 38097, Brazil
Rodolpho Albuquerque: PSR Consulting, Rio de Janeiro 22250, Brazil
Tarcisio Castro: PSR Consulting, Rio de Janeiro 22250, Brazil
Rafael Kelman: PSR Consulting, Rio de Janeiro 22250, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-22

Abstract: This study proposes and empirically validates a spatiotemporal life cycle assessment (LCA) framework for hydroelectric power generation applied to the Sinop Hydroelectric Power Plant in Brazil. Unlike conventional LCA, which assumes spatial and temporal homogeneity, the framework incorporates annual temporal discretisation and geographically differentiated impacts across all phases of assessment. The methodology combines the Enhanced Structural Path Analysis (ESPA) method with temporal modeling and region-specific inventory data. The results indicate that environmental impacts peak in the fourth year of the ‘Construction and Assembly’ stage, primarily due to the intensive production of concrete and steel. A spatial analysis shows that these impacts extend beyond Brazil, with notable contributions from international supply chains. By identifying temporal and geographical hotspots, the framework offers a refined understanding of impact dynamics and drivers. Uncertainty analysis further demonstrates that temporal discretisation significantly affects impact attribution, with the ‘Construction and Assembly’ stage results varying by up to ±15%, depending on scheduling assumptions. Overall, the study advances the LCA methodology while offering robust empirical evidence to guide sustainable decision-making in Brazil’s power sector and to inform global debates on low-carbon energy transitions.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; spatiotemporal LCA; hydroelectric power; sustainability assessment; environmental impacts; electricity generation; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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