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Title PV in the circular economy, a dynamic framework analyzing technology evolution and reliability impacts
ID_Doc 20906
Authors Ovaitt, S; Mirletz, H; Seetharaman, S; Barnes, T
Title PV in the circular economy, a dynamic framework analyzing technology evolution and reliability impacts
Year 2022
Published Iscience, 25, 1
DOI 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103488
Abstract Rapid, terawatt-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules is required to decarbonize the energy sector Despite efficiency and manufacturing improvements, material demand will increase, eventually resulting in waste as deployed modules reach end of life. Circular choices for decommissioned modules could reduce waste and offset virgin materials. We present PV ICE, an open-source python framework using modern reliability data, which tracks module material flows throughout PV life cycles. We provide dynamic baselines capturing PV module and material evolution. PV ICE includes multimodal end of life, circular pathways, and manufacturing losses. We present a validation of the framework and a sensitivity analysis. Results show that manufacturing efficiencies strongly affect material demand, representing >20% of the 9 million tons of waste cumulatively expected by 2050. Reliability and circular pathways represent the best opportunities to reduce waste by 56% while maintaining installed capacity. Shorter-lived modules generate 81% more waste and reduce 2050 capacity by 6%.
Author Keywords
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000747073100008
WoS Category Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics
PDF http://www.cell.com/article/S2589004221014590/pdf
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