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DOE OSTI · 2338108

The Sustainable Decarbonization Challenge

Ovaitt, Silvana (ORCID:000000030180728X)·Mirletz, Heather (ORCID:0000000250584804)·Barnes, Teresa M. (ORCID:0000000231540558)
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Abstract

Many countries have decarbonization plans that include transitioning to clean energy. Because of this, PV deployment is projected to at least double or triple in the next ten years. As we ramp up manufacturing and deployment, we aim to sustainably establish secure and just supply chains while reducing environmental impacts. This talk presents our analysis of the virgin material demands, addresses waste concerns regarding quantity and toxicity, and establishes sustainability actions that the PV community can take to ensure sustainability. The takeaway actions are prioritizing reliable, high-quality, and long-lived PV modules and enabling the fast deployment needed for decarbonization via more research and effective communication.

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circular economyclean energy transitionENGINEERING,SOLAR ENERGYphotovoltaics energyPV wastereliabilitysupply chain securitysustainabilitytoxicityvirgin material needs

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Ovaitt, Silvana (ORCID:000000030180728X), Mirletz, Heather (ORCID:0000000250584804), Barnes, Teresa M. (ORCID:0000000231540558). 2024-04-12. The Sustainable Decarbonization Challenge. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/2338108

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