WP 3 - Non-Human Health Related Environmental Costs of Different Energy Sources

Objectives

  • To update the estimates of non-human health related environmental costs of different energy sources based on life cycle impacts for EU and non-EU countries with specific attention to 'new impacts' (acidification, eutrophication and visual intrusion);
  • To discuss and confirm ranges of estimates of environmental costs with representatives of industry.

Description of work

This WP provides a critical review and updates external cost estimates of energy-related impacts on land use change, acidification, eutrophication, visual intrusion and climate change across Europe and for selected non-EU countries. Jointly with WP2 and WPs4-7, research findings are presented and discussed in a stakeholder workshop. Results on land use change, acidification, eutrophication, visual intrusion and climate change are shared with the coordinator of WP2 to be included in the ECOSENSE model.

SWECO reviews and updates: (a) monetary estimates of acidification impacts on freshwater fish, and impacts of eutrophication on use values (drinking water, boating, swimming, recreational fishing) and non-use values; (b) estimates of landscape aesthetic impacts of renewable energy (wind and hydro). It provides a state-of-the art review of valuation studies on these topics and a discussion on benefit transfer methods for these values, including a review of tests of validity of benefit transfer.

WU contributes to the analysis of non-human related impacts of energy systems by studying the impacts of various emissions related to energy systems. UW focuses on the impacts of acidifying compounds (SO2, NOx and NH3) on terrestrial ecosystems, including agriculture.

VU-IVM reviews and updates monetary estimates of energy-related land use change and climate change impacts. It also contributes to the review and update of monetary estimates of impacts on aquatic ecosystems. It is responsible for WP3's contributions to the workshop on the methodology to calculate private and external costs of selected energy conversion technologies. Finally, VU-IVM prepares a database on studies concerning external cost estimates of land use changes, acidification, eutrophication and climate change.

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