Life Cycle-Based Carbon Emission Reduction Benefit Assessment of Centralized Photovoltaic Power Plants in China

Yanhua Deng, Jiji Wu, Qian Yang, Weizhen Chen, Penghan Li, Chenhao Huang, Jinsong Deng, Biyong Ji () and Lijian Xie ()
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Yanhua Deng: Department of Environmental Economics and Information, Changsha Environmental Protection College, Changsha 410004, China
Jiji Wu: Shaoxing Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing 312030, China
Qian Yang: Department of Environmental Economics and Information, Changsha Environmental Protection College, Changsha 410004, China
Weizhen Chen: College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Penghan Li: College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Chenhao Huang: College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Jinsong Deng: College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Biyong Ji: Zhejiang Forest Resources Monitoring Center, Hangzhou 310020, China
Lijian Xie: College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: Developing clean energy is the key to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and addressing global climate change. Photovoltaic energy systems are considered to be clean and sustainable energy resources due to their wide distribution and easy deployment. However, the environment can still be impacted during the processes from the production to recycling of such systems. Therefore, this study was conducted based on the whole life-cycle analysis to establish a mathematical model for carbon emissions during the processes of production, transportation, and waste disposal of photovoltaic power systems. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The carbon emissions of a centralized photovoltaic power station with a unit installed capacity of 1 kWp during its entire life cycle would be 2094.40 kg, while the carbon recycling period would last 1.89 years, which would be shorter than the expected life cycle of a photovoltaic system of 25 years, indicating significant environmental benefits. (2) The calculated results from 2022 showed that the newly constructed centralized photovoltaic power stations in China could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 31,524.26 tons during their life cycles, and their carbon emissions from 1 kWh are approx. 1/10 of those of thermal power generation, which is significantly lower than that of thermal power generation. (3) From the perspective of the soil carbon sequestration capacity and opportunity cost, the economic cost of carbon emissions from the new centralized photovoltaic power stations in China in 2022 was 1.083 billion yuan. (4) The analysis of the relationship using the Granger causality test revealed that, with a lag of one period and a significance level of 5%, the carbon emissions from the new centralized PV power stations from 2013–2022 were the Granger cause of the added value from the secondary industry in China, while the added value from the secondary industry was not the Granger cause of the carbon emissions from the new PV power stations. The findings of the performed study could increase the utilization rate of photovoltaic energy by ensuring it is a secure sustainable low-carbon emission resource, while also reducing the impact of climate change on the planet and promoting individual well-being and social development.

Keywords: centralized photovoltaic power plant; carbon emissions; carbon reduction benefits; life-cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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