Life cycle assessment of a vortex induced vibrations farm for hydrokinetic energy and pumped hydro storage

This study presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an innovative Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV) farm system designed for hydrokinetic energy harvesting, integrated with a pumped hydro storage component. The LCA is conducted from a cradle-to-customer perspective using GREET 2024 software, evaluating environmental impacts from raw material extraction through system manufacturing and use. The functional unit is defined as the generation of 1 kWh of electricity over the system's 40-year operational lifetime. Two configurations are assessed: one with a concrete dam and one without. The results show that Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 20 years (GWP20) ranges from 5.72 g CO₂-eq./kWh (without dam) to 34.13 g CO₂-eq./kWh (with dam), while GWP over 100 years (GWP100) ranges from 5.18 to 33.06 g CO₂-eq./kWh. Particulate Matter Formation Potential (PMFP) varies between 0.007 and 0.017 g PM₂.₅-eq./kWh. Additional midpoint indicators using the ReCiPe 2016 method—Acidification, Eutrophication, and Freshwater Ecotoxicity—demonstrate similarly low values, confirming the environmental competitiveness of the system. These findings highlight the VIV farm's potential as a sustainable and low-emission energy solution, particularly when constructed without a concrete dam.