Greenhouse gas emissions from shale gas and coal for electricity generation in South Africa

摘要: There is increased interest, both in South Africa and globally, the use of shale gas for electricity energy supply. The exploitation is, however, not without controversy, because reported environmental impacts associated with its extraction. focus this article on greenhouse footprint gas, which some literature suggests may be higher than what would have been expected as a consequence contribution fugitive emissions during extraction, processing transport. Based studies, it has suggested that life-cycle those from coal-fired power. Here we review number studies analyse data to provide view likely producing compare these power Africa. Consideration was given critical assumptions determine relative performance two sources feedstock generating - global warming potential methane extent emissions. present analysis 100-year time horizon appropriate related climate change, over period lower shorter periods. purpose limit temperature increase long term choice metric should appropriate. indicates that, regardless about assessed, per MWh generated coal. Depending various factors, specific intensity between 0.3 tCO2/MWh 0.6 tCO2/MWh, compared 1