Renewable Energy Technologies Flashcards

When a geothermal power plant releases naturally occurring CO₂ from hydrothermal fluids, how should this be classified in GHG reporting?

Answer: Scope 1 process emissions (non-combustion)

Geothermal CO₂ released from hydrothermal fluids is classified as Scope 1 process emissions (non-combustion) because it occurs from operations under the reporting entity's control.

A CAP auditor evaluates a solar-plus-storage project. Which statement about battery storage and carbon accounting is CORRECT?

Answer: Battery round-trip efficiency losses result in additional grid electricity demand that must be accounted for

Battery storage systems have round-trip efficiency losses (typically 85–95%), meaning more electricity is consumed charging than is discharged, requiring the auditor to account for those additional grid draws.

Which factor most significantly affects the 'avoided emissions' calculation when a renewable energy project displaces fossil fuel generation on a grid?

Answer: The emission factor of the specific generation source being displaced (marginal vs. average)

Avoided emissions calculations are highly sensitive to whether the marginal (next unit dispatched) or average grid emission factor is used, as these can differ significantly.

In the context of renewable energy carbon auditing, what does 'additionality' refer to?

Answer: Whether a renewable project results in GHG reductions beyond what would have occurred without it

Additionality requires demonstrating that a project's emission reductions are above and beyond what would have happened under a business-as-usual scenario without the project.

A wind energy developer uses SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) in high-voltage switchgear at the substation. How should SF₆ emissions be reported?

Answer: Reported as Scope 1 fugitive emissions with a GWP of 23,500

SF₆ leaks from switchgear under the reporting entity's operational control are Scope 1 fugitive emissions and must be reported using SF₆'s GWP of 23,500 (AR5) due to its extreme climate impact.

Which renewable energy source is categorized as 'dispatchable' and can provide baseload power without intermittency challenges?

Answer: Geothermal power

Geothermal power draws on constant heat from the Earth's interior, enabling dispatchable, near-baseload generation unaffected by weather conditions.

What is the significance of the 'payback period' metric when a carbon auditor evaluates the net climate benefit of a renewable energy installation?

Answer: It measures the time for the energy generated to offset the embodied carbon from manufacturing and construction

The carbon payback period indicates how long it takes for a renewable project's emission-free generation to offset the GHG emissions associated with its manufacturing and construction.