Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Mallari, Matthew Anthony T. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Large-Scale Solar PV Plant Construction |
| Date Issued | 05 June 2024 |
| Abstract | The Philippines is targeting a renewable energy contribution of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The Department of Energy awarded solar projects capable of producing 28,913.78 MW as of December 2023. Solar energy is projected to account for 34.07% of the Philippines power generation by 2040. In this context, assessing and understanding the environmental effects of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants is crucial. This study examines the environmental implications of constructing a large-scale solar PV plant. Two scopes are analyzed, a cradle-to-grave using a functional unit (FU) of 1MWh generated capacity and cradle-to-gate with an FU of 1MWp installed capacity, tailored for utility companies and contractors, respectively. A life cycle inventory was developed to assess the environmental impacts associated with constructing solar PV plants exceeding 90MW installed capacity, using fixed-tilt, monocrystalline designs. The study considered eighteen impact categories, including land occupation potential, global warming potential (GWP) and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential. The contribution analysis revealed the installation phase as the most impactful, contributing 37% to 93% across all categories. Sensitivity and scenario analyses indicated that a 20% reduction in water use during maintenance could decrease GWP by 18%, due to reduced use of cleaning solutions. Local sourcing of materials during transportation phase cut GWP by 62%, previously increased by emissions from diesel combustion, tire, and brake wear. Additionally, premature replacement of PV module due to mishandling increased resource consumption by 6.2% to 17.3%. These insights underscore the significant environmental impact of construction and maintenance activities in solar PV plants. Improving handling and maintenance protocols could substantially reduce these impacts, enhancing sustainability. This study sets a benchmark for environmental impact assessments of large-scale PV projects, particularly unders |
| Degree Course | Master of Energy Engineering |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | solar PV; cradle-to-grave; large-scale solar PV; monocrystalline PV |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
2.64 Mb
Category : F - Regular work, i.e., it has no patentable invention or creation, the author does not wish for personal publication, there is no confidential information.
Access Permission : Open Access