Environmental assessment of central solar heating plants with seasonal storage located in Spain

Renewable energies can play a very important role in the development of new energy model contributing effectively towards more sustainable mid and long term. In this context Central Solar Heating Plants with Seasonal Storage (CSHPSS) are able to provide space heating Domestic Hot Water (DHW) residential buildings high solar fractions (>50%). These systems already being used Northern Europe, as well Canada, where there is an experience district systems. The study presented herein presents environmental assessment, applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, CSHPSS, which should cover DHW demand 500 dwellings 100 m 2 , located Zaragoza, Spain. Environmental burdens through life cycle system estimated based on greenhouse gas emissions, comprehensive indicators ReCiPe Cumulative Energy Demand (CED). allow evaluate reduction load achieved by CSHPSS analyzed respect conventional systems, identify most critical aspects from perspective. article, behavior decoupled into two demands covered, DHW, order quantify impact each generation system. A detailed inventory aim promoting increasingly efficient technologies point view, not only operation phase but also construction equipment. Furthermore, in-depth analysis performed variation depending climatic conditions. dimensioned different Spanish cities LCA carried out for nine locations. results help stakeholders make decisions optimize renewable taking account its whole necessity essentially production all