In: Physics
Two methods are used to generate 1 GWhe of electricity: (1) burning coal with a generation efficiency of 30% and (2) burning MSW with an efficiency of 25%. (The energy content of coal is 31 MJ/kg.) For MSW generation, assume an energy content of 10 MJ/kg and a total net energy requirement of 5000 MJ/tonne for collection and transportation, which is provided by burning fossil fuels at 20% efficiency. The MSW consists of 50% carbon-neutral organic material and 50% fossil fuel–derived material. (The energy content and the density of petroleum is 35 MJ/kg and 0.72 kg/L, respectively.) Compare the relative contributions to greenhouse gas emissions for these two methods. Ignore any effects of possible carbon sequestration.