The unseen carbon: Scope 3 emissions transform understanding of electricity generation in import-dependent nations

Energy system decarbonization requires accurate emissions accounting. While many import-dependent nations rely on foreign fuels, infrastructure, and technologies for electricity generation, their emissions calculations often overlook critical supply chain and life cycle impacts. This study applies life cycle assessment to evaluate the comprehensive carbon footprint of electricity production in import-dependent economies, encompassing direct operations (Scope 1), energy use (Scope 2), and supply chain emissions (Scope 3). Analysis reveals that conventional accounting methods significantly underestimate environmental impacts by excluding upstream and downstream emissions. This expanded assessment framework provides policymakers and investors with more accurate data for evaluating decarbonization strategies. The findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating complete supply chain emissions into national inventories to effectively guide energy transition policies and investment decisions toward genuine carbon reduction goals.