[maelito]

> However, we’re comparing apples to oranges. We have calculated our emissions based on the embodied energy of our installation. When the carbon intensity of the Spanish power grid is measured, the embodied energy of the renewable power infrastructure is taken to be zero. If we calculated our carbon intensity in the same way, of course it would be zero, too.

I don't get it. The carbon intensity of the national grid should result from a life-cycle analysis, so all emissions should be included in the figure. As far as I know, apples and apples are compared, and the home-made version is worse.

[lowtechmagazine]

The carbon intensity of the national grid is calculated as follows: carbon emissions of burning coal and gas in power plants (say 600 g/kWh) + carbon emissions of wind turbines, solar panels and the like (0 g/kWh). Embodied energy is not taken into account.

[maelito]

Is it particular to spain ?

[lowtechmagazine]

No, it's not just Spain. I only looked at European power grids, but their carbon intensity is all calculated in the same way.

[maelito]

I'm pretty sure these numbers are LCAs : https://www.electricitymap.org/?page=country&solar=false&rem...

Hydro, nuclear, wind turbines would all be 0g/kWh if it was only about fuel.