TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in Himachal Pradesh have conducted a comprehensive study assessing the environmental impacts of various solar cell technologies.
EXPLANATION:
Key Findings on Solar Cell Technologies
- Among the five solar cell technologies examined, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) was found to have the least environmental impact.
- This technology exhibited the lowest levels of carbon dioxide emissions, ozone depletion potential, adverse human health effects, and particulate air pollution.
- The other four were mono-silicon, polysilicon, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), and Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact (PERC).
- In terms of environmental performance, CdTe was closely followed by CIGS (Copper indium gallium selenide) PV (photovoltaic) cells.
Methodology and Analysis
- The researchers utilized the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, encompassing eighteen environmental impact categories.
- These categories include global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity, and fine particulate matter formation.
- The LCA covered all stages, from raw material extraction to solar panel manufacturing.
- The study highlighted that solar PV systems are environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels during their operational phase.
- However, they have notable environmental impacts during manufacturing and usage.
Policy Implications and Future Research
- The findings from this study are intended to guide policymakers in promoting the most sustainable solar technologies.
- The Life Cycle Assessment of solar module technologies is crucial for identifying technologies that balance economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- This guidance can support India’s shift towards a low-carbon economy and reduce the environmental footprint of solar energy production.
Limitations and Future Directions
- The researchers acknowledged that their study only examined a portion of the solar technology life cycle, excluding the recycling and end-of-life phases.
- Future research will investigate these phases to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of solar technologies.
India’s Progress and Challenges in Solar Energy
- Between 2010 and 2020, India made significant advancements in clean energy to meet its Paris and Copenhagen commitments, driven by initiatives such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.
- Copenhagen Commitment aims to accelerate positive action on combatting climate change and to speed up delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the solar supply chain, delaying projects worth Rs. 160 billion.
- Following COP26, India’s focus has shifted to green solar manufacturing, which enhances supply chain reliability, energy security, and decarbonization, aligning with UN clean energy goals.
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
- The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), or the National Solar Mission, is an initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote solar power in India.
- Inaugurated in January 2010, the JNNSM has been revised twice and now boasts a target of 100 GW of solar PV by 2022.
- The objective of JNNSM is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating the policy conditions for its deployment across the country.
- Each Phase is supported by differing key policies and targets.
- Phase I (2010 – 2013):
- Target for grid-connected PV (including rooftop) target: 1000 MW
- Target for off-grid solar PV applications: 200 MW
- Phase II (2014 – 2017):
- Cumulative target for grid-connected solar PV (including rooftop): 4 000 – 10 000 MW
- Target for off-grid solar PV applications: 1 000 MW
- Scheme for at least 25 solar parks (34 approved currently under Government) and the Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects to target 40 GW solar PV
- Phase III (2017 – 2022):
- Cumulative target for grid-connected solar PV (including rooftop): 100 000 MW
- Target for off-grid solar PV applications (as share of cumulative): 2 000 MW.
