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

Gabriel A. González-Reyes, Susana Bayo-Besteiro, Jordi Vich Llobet and Juan A. Añel
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Gabriel A. González-Reyes: Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Susana Bayo-Besteiro: EPhysLab & CIM, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
Jordi Vich Llobet: Naturgy, 28033 Madrid, Spain
Juan A. Añel: EPhysLab & CIM, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-15

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.

Keywords: lubrication; oil; hydropower; wind turbine; LCA; CO 2 emissions; cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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