CRC Fuel Energy

Summary

This methodology represents CO₂emissions associated with a variety of fuels and other energy sources (electricity). It is specifically applicable to the UK government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) initiative which commenced in April 2010. The data is sourced from the list of conversion factors published in conjunction with the CRC scheme.

The methodology

The emissions calculation methodology is based upon emissions factors which relate a energy-, mass- or volume-based quantities of fuel or electricity with the associated quantities of greenhouse gas emissions. These values vary between fuels, depending on factors such as the concentration of carbon and moisture within each fuel type, or, in the case of electricity, with the mix of fuels used in generation.

Model data

Each fuel/energy type is represented by a single emissions factor representing the rate at which CO2 is emissions per quantity of fuel/energy consumed. 28 fuels for stationary combustion are represented (plus a further 2 from the original CRC proposal documentation - see below) as well as grid electricity.

Activity data required

Calculations are based upon the quantity of fuel/electricity described. The CRC source documentation does not specify fuel densities or heating (calorific) values and therefore the basis on which fuel quantities are specified (energy, mass, volume) is not interchangable for each given fuel. Discover follows CRC protocol in requiring quantities to be specified on a basis according to the particular fuel type chosen. The specific input required (energy, mass, volume) varies between fuel/energy types, as follows:

Calculation and result

The quantity of fuel/energy consumed is multiplied by the appropriate emissions factor to calculate the assocaited CO₂ emissions. If a quantity is provided which is incompatible with the emissions factor (i.e. energy-, mass- or volume-based as required) a calculation cannot be made.

Related methodologies

Other methodologies for fuel combustion, similarly published by the UK government department DEFRA are available with energy, mass and volume based calculations.

Fuel properties, such as density and calorific values - for converting between energy, mass and volume - can be found here.

Notes

Simplification proposal

In June 2011, the UK government published tentative proposals for simplifying the CRC. Included in these proposals was the reduction of the list of mandatory fuels/energy types from 29 to 4. These proposals are due for public consultation in 2012 with a view to full implementation in 2013.

Data sources

Six new fuel types (basic oxygen steel gas, cement industry coal, commercial/public sector coal, lignite, peat and waste oils) are included with respect to those specified in the previous documentation (the Consultation on Draft Order to Implement the Carbon Reduction Commitment). Two fuels not included in the latest documentation but which appeared in the previous Draft documentation ('refinery miscellaneous', 'lubricants') are preserved in this category but should not be considered compliant with current CRC protocol.