Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Generation: A Comparative Analysis Between the United States and the European Union and its Implication for Developing Economies Using the Example of China

In this study, it will be examined how these technologies, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables (wind, hydro, solar, biomass, and geothermal), are currently generating greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and the U. S., and how developments might affect China’s policies in the future. To that end, today's emission ‘snapshots’ will be juxtaposed, and how they will evolve will be explored with increasing renewable usage. The following questions will be answered: Between the U. S. and the EU, which one is the bigger emitter in terms of electricity generation only? Which energy source(s) are responsible for this? Which technologies should be eliminated? Which technologies should be encouraged? What kind of lessons can be learned from this comparison when designing a policy? And finally, could this affect large developing economies, such as China