GS LNG Exports-GS-BKS.pdf (447.05 kB)
Carbon pathways in the global gas market: An attributional lifecycle assessment of the climate impacts of liquefied natural gas exports from the United States to Asia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 13:31 authored by Alexander Q Gilbert, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin SovacoolWhile the United States is poised to become a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), relatively little attention has been paid to greenhouse gas emission impacts from exporting US natural gas to Asia, a key likely destination. Using bounding scenarios of attributional lifecycle analysis, this study finds that the climate impacts of US exports to China, Japan, India, or South Korea could vary significantly, with annual global lifecycle emissions ranging from -88,000 metric tons CO2e to +170,000 metric tons CO2e per Bcf of exports. Exact emissions will depend on factors such as (a) the final end-use of the LNG, (b) domestic market impacts from increased natural gas prices in the U.S., (c) induced additional energy consumption in importing countries, and (d) methane leakage rates. Country specific GHG outcomes can differ from global GHG outcomes, with major implications for extraction and consumption based emissions accounting. The study’s results indicate the need for more robust consideration of the climate impacts of all energy exports in terms of country specific energy analyses, global climate regulations, and market uncertainty. Thus, how gas is governed becomes of critical importance, for it will determine whether LNG is a net sink or source of additional emissions.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Energy PolicyISSN
0301-4215Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
120Page range
635-643Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-05-29First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-06-12First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-05-29Usage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
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