Work

Aluminum saving and CO2 emission reduction from waste recycling of China’s rooftop photovoltaics under carbon neutrality strategy

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Rooftop photovoltaics (RPVs) are crucial for decarbonizing the power sector and achieving carbon neutrality, with expected future capacity increases. The growth of RPVs necessitates substantial aluminum (Al) resources, contributing significantly to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from Al production. Given China's bauxite shortage, recycling Al from waste RPV panels presents an effective solution to enhance resource security and mitigate CO 2 emissions. We developed a framework to project waste RPV quantities and assess the recycling potential of Al and its impact on CO 2 emissions from 2020 to 2060. Our findings indicate potential waste flows of 95–221 million tonnes (Mt) and recycled Al ranging from 5 to 28 Mt, with a primary Al supply gap of 25–43 Mt. Recycling could reduce CO 2 emissions by 35–207 Mt over the period. This research underscores the importance of Al resource security and sustainable RPV industry development in China's pursuit of carbon neutrality.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110669

Authors: Bin Zhang, Yingnan Zhang, Yuantao Yang, Zhaohua Wang

Institutions: Beijing Institute of Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150