Net zero electricity systems in global economies by life cycle assessment (LCA) considering ecosystem, health, monetization, and soil CO2 sequestration impacts

Electrification of all sectors needs net zero electricity (NZE) to slash greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), 38% the global annual energy-related GHG 34 Gt CO2eq. NZE is avoid climate catastrophe, predicted at 2.7 °C rise in mean temperature by 2100 (at 50% probability). There no consensus approach sustainable development systems. This study has developed a novel, rigorous, holistic life cycle assessment methodology for roadmap or pathway. It identifies leading fifteen countries with highest gross domestic products over 90% GHG. compiles Ecoinvent inventory in-country systems and calculates their impacts using ReCiPe, Impact 2002+, Environmental Prices methods. The ranking non-fossil (kg CO2eq/GJ, US$/GJ): hydro-run-of-river (1.49, 0.73), hydro-reservoir (7.77, 0.91), wind:1–3 MW (7.37, 3.9), solar-20MW (13.94, 4.18), solar-50MW (15.29, 4.84), wind:>3 (9.55, 9.68), geothermal (19.99, 9.84), bioenergy (12.09, 36.28). In decreasing order significance, sustainability determinants are particulate emissions, land use, human toxicity, change, acidification, ionisation radiation. To hit (0.02–0.24 kg CO2eq/kWh), Brazil, USA, Spain, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Italy, UK need 52–95% decarbonization. Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey can achieve 61%, 31%, 6%, 4% decarbonization 0.24–0.56 CO2eq/kWh, while 0.52 0.65 China's India's transitioning may slow down this time. Robust relies on improving health developing countries, de-fossilized resource-technology diversification, natural soil organic carbon sequestration, enhancing biodiversity forestation.