Capacity-Specific Life Cycle Assessment of Pakistani Coal-Fired Power Plants: Energy Flows, Environmental Impacts, and Renewable Integration Routes

This study aimed to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) of Pakistani coal-fired power facilities with an emphasis on energy flow and environmental effects. The study addressed two critical questions: How do ecological responsibilities change with coal plant capacity (200MWh, 300MWh, and 400MWh)? How does the combination of coal and renewable energy compare regarding energy consumption and sustainability implications? Using OpenLCA tools, an LCA was conducted to examine the mining, transportation, and combustion unit operations in three different coal plants: HUBCO (imported coal), Engro (Thar coal), and Grange (imported coal). Energy flow and environmental effects (such as photochemical oxidation, ecotoxicity, and climate change) were measured for 200MWh, 300MWh, and 400MWh capacities. Data were modelled to compare the use of renewable energy, emissions, and non-carcinogenic consequences. The plant with the most environmental consequences was the 400MWh, During combustion, there was a 0.437 kg CO₂-equivalent climate change. At 1.22 kg 1,4-DB equivalent, the ecotoxicity was 60% more than 200MWh. By burning vehicle fuel, 35% more photochemical oxidation occurs in the air. Compared to smaller plants, non-carcinogenic consequences included 44% higher global warming potential (GWP) and 27% higher respiratory impacts. The 400MWh plant needed 27% more energy than smaller plants, and energy consumption increased with capacity. The 400MWh plant used 41% less biomass (green energy), and transportation emissions were equal to 25% of windmill energy. The necessity for capacity limitation is highlighted by the fact that larger coal plants (400MWh) contribute disproportionately to energy consumption and environmental deterioration. By incorporating renewable energy sources like wind and biomass, emissions might be reduced and sustainability enhanced. Adoption of renewable energy should be given top priority by policymakers, and high-capacity coal plants should be subject to more stringent emissions regulations.