Daily Climate News - April 1

life cycle emissions of PERC solar modules; Robots for offshore operations

Apr 02, 2024

IEA-PVPS - Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Photovoltaic Module Technology (2024)

One of the reasons for the increasing efficiency and decreasing cost of solar power production has been the use of PERC (passivated emitter rear cell) modules in place of the older Al-BSF (Al - back surface field) modules. PERC technology holds over 70% of market share and has efficiency of nearly 24% - higher than any previous tech used.

IEA Special Report on Solar PV Global Supply Chains (July 2022)

PERC cells have better energy output because - a) each cell is half the size of a typical cell which lowers resistance and, hence, energy loss to heat b) more cells are used in a module, and, c) in the bifacial PERC cell, both the top and bottom of the module have cells which can capture sunlight.

In a recent analysis, IEA modelled the performance of PERC solar modules mounted on a single-axis tracker vs those with a fixed tilt but no tracker, in 2 regions of Italy with different solar irradiance levels. Data from manufacturers was used to determine the life-cycle performance - including emissions from manufacturing and transport of modules and other system parts, construction and decommissioning. The analysis shows

life cycle emissions are 17.1 g CO2 eq/kWh for the single-axis tracker system and 20.7 g CO2 eq/kWh for modules with fixed tilt in south Italy
single-axis trackers significantly improve energy output
higher irradiance region (1,819 kWh/m2) had ~33% higher energy output than the lower irradiance region (1,368 kWh/m2)
module production is the greatest contributor to life cycle emissions and resource use
inverters have low emissions contribution, but high resource use
PERC (passivated emitter and rear cell) have lower life cycle energy use and emissions than Al-BSF modules in all configurations modelled

pv magazine | Executive Summary (PDF) | IEA PVPS Report (PDF)

Robots for offshore operations

Offshore wind power installations are increasing, and many countries have implemented regulation for monitoring operations and emissions of offshore oil & gas drilling projects. To serve these industries, companies have developed robots that can

check gas pipelines for leaks and repair damaged sections
ensure subsea cables and underwater structures are placed properly
survey coastlines and map the seabed
transport goods and equipment

Forsea Robotics | Oceaneering | Nauticus Robotics (via OGV, Offshore Energy)

Top Stories

Although UK experienced better than average rainfall in the past 18 months, lack of sufficient freshwater storage may lead to acute water scarcity soon. The Environment Agency forecasts a shortage of nearly 5 billion litres a day by 2050 - currently 14 billion litres a day is supplied via the public water systems.
The Guardian | Environment Agency - Analysis
In March 2024, USA released its final rule on the direct pay program - tax-exempt and government entities can claim cash payments equal to full value of tax credits on clean energy projects brought into service after December 31, 2022. Projects for renewable generation including solar, wind and biogas; community solar; EV charging; hydrogen fuel cells; battery storage; and purchasing EVs for state or city fleets are eligible for the credits. Utility Dive | White House - Direct Pay | Final Rule (PDF)
US-based telecom provider Verizon has joined the RE100 initiative and aims to procure 50% electricity from renewable energy equivalents by 2025 and 100% by 2030. In 2022, the company reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 23.1% and scope 3 emissions by 15.1% over a 2019 baseline. Utility Dive | Verizon Press Release | Verizon 2023 ESG Report (PDF)
US-based solar module manufacturer Silfab Solar is partnering with recycler Solarcyle for more sustainable manufacturing. The latter will recycle the glass in old and underperforming solar modules, and supply it back for use in new modules. Utility Dive
Thames Water, UK’s largest private water utility, is under severe financial strain with debt of £18 billion and ageing infrastructure. The company is also being investigated by UK’s water regulator, Ofwat, for untreated sewage discharges from its water treatment plants. Thames River, which also receives sewage discharges by Thames Water, has been in the news in March for very high levels of E. coli bacteria. The Guardian
India has set up a task force to explore using biochar for steel production. Previously, the Steel ministry has taken initiatives for energy efficiency, use of solar and hydrogen, scrap recycling and technology upgrades to reduce emissions from the industry in India. ET Energy