Assessing the environmental and economic impacts of the oyster life cycle under renewable energy expansion

Oysters play a vital role in global food security and economic development. However, inadequate waste management and incomplete life cycle evaluations impede the sustainable advancement of the oyster involved industry. This study employs an integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) framework to qualify the environmental impacts and economic costs of oyster aquaculture and shell waste management in China, incorporating carbon sequestration and renewable energy expansion scenarios. Results indicate that the oyster life cycle with landfill disposal is the most cost-effective option. Conversely, the life cycle involving CaO conversion via coal-based calcination yields the lowest carbon footprint at 25.12 kg CO 2 -eq/ton. Under a maximum renewable energy expansion scenario, the electricity-based CaO conversion pathway is projected to achieve carbon neutrality by 2028 and reduce life cycle costs by 92 % by 2050. When carbon sequestration is considered, this pathway delivers the greatest environmental economic benefit, reducing cost by 1212.79 million USD, followed by the landfill option at 1188.00 million USD by 2050. This study pioneers the inclusion of carbon sequestration in the life cycle analysis of oyster aquaculture and shell recycling, emphasizing the pivotal roles of renewable energy transitions, circular economy strategies, and carbon accounting in achieving low-emission and economically viable food systems. • Integrated LCA-LCC assesses oyster farming and shell recycling in China. • Carbon sequestration enhances carbon footprint accuracy in oyster LCA. • CaO-e pathway cuts environmental impacts by 84 % and LCC by 92 % by 2050. • CaO-e excels environmentally with carbon sequestration included. • Renewable energy and circularity boost oyster system sustainability.