ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The paper compares key energy technologies, such as coal, hydrocarbons, hydropower, solar, wind, and nuclear energy based on the following indicators of environmental effectiveness: specific energy per unit mass, carbon footprint, direct release of greenhouse gases, emission of harmful substances into atmosphere, discharge of harmful substances into water sources, waste generation, alienation of land, emission of radioactive substances, human health risk.The author analyzes specific values of environmental effectiveness indicators for different energy production technologies and introduces the term of the comprehensive cumulative indicator of energy technologies impact on the environment and humans (CII).It is proved that coal-fired power generation, with the highest greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint of all the energy technologies under consideration, has the most harmful effect on the environment, life and health of the population and personnel. Comparison of all indicators and CII among all types of energy technologies speaks volumes for advantages of nuclear energy, having the lowest carbon footprint in Europe comparable to the carbon footprints of hydro and wind power according to the global data.