Within the framework of PVPS, Task 12 endeavors to promote international collaboration, facilitate information exchange, and drive knowledge creation in the realm of PV sustainability, encompassing both environmental and social dimensions. It generates, compiles, and disseminates both primary and secondary information to technical experts, the public, and policymakers alike.
Accurate information regarding the environmental and social sustainability of photovoltaic technology is essential for various purposes, be it conducting due diligence to navigate risks and opportunities associated with PV systems or educating consumers and policymakers about their impacts and benefits. By enhancing consumer confidence and garnering support from policymakers, this information contributes to the broader adoption of PV energy systems, thereby advancing the global energy transition.
In 2024, Task 12 kicked off officially its new workplan spanning from 2024 to 2028. Task 12 has achieved remarkable progress in advancing photovoltaic (PV) sustainability, fortified by a series of noteworthy accomplishments and the integration of esteemed experts into its collaborative efforts.
The Task experts published 4 reports and 1 factsheet. One standout achievement was the publication of the ” Advances in Module Recycling – Literature Review and Update to Empirical LCI Data and Patent Review” report, a pivotal contribution offering invaluable insights into advances in PV modules recycling processes as well as Life Cycle Inventory Data of such processes.
The task force welcomed a cadre of distinguished experts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to enrich Task 12’s initiatives. Notable additions include Anika Gassner from OFI (Austria), and Sonja Feldbacher from PCCL (Austria) complementing our circular economy activities with the repair area. Sarah Jordaan, representing McGill University (Canada), brings a new country and comprehensive expertise in the environmental and economic trade-offs related to energy decisions. Nouha Gazbour from CEA (France) , Sebastian Nold from Fraunhofer ISE (Germany) and Juanjuan Yao from IVL (Sweden) significantly bolsters Task 12’s capabilities with their profound knowledge in life cycle assessment (LCA), providing invaluable insights into assessing the environmental impacts of PV technologies. Additionally, Task 12 welcomed André Augusto from Dalarna University (Sweden), whose expertise in PV sustainability adds depth to the task’s research endeavors. Mirjam Theelen, representing TNO (The Netherlands), brings a wealth of knowledge in PV degradation and impact on environmental impact assesment.
Furthermore, Task 12 intensified its external communication efforts, exemplified by the organization of a parallel event at EUPVSEC 2023 in Lisbon, titled “Towards Ecosystem Integrated PV Systems” This event served as a pivotal platform for fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the PV community on an international scale, reaffirming Task 12’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the global PV industry.
The upcoming reports for 2025 outlines the ambitious goals and collaborative efforts within Task 12 across various subtasks
Concerning Subtask 1 – Circular Economy (CE), initiatives include assessing global PV recycling status, patent reviews of PV recycling methods, PV waste management in France and critical material demand scenarios for PV in terawatt era.
Concerning Subtask 2 – Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), activities range from updating our flagship LCI data report and methodological guidelines, studing and comparing life cycle indicators from PV commercial recycling pilots and plants, and conducting an LCA of PV recycling pathways in France.
Concerning Subtask 3 – Ecosystem Integrated PV (ecoPV), focus areas includes field research methods for agrivoltaic applications and contribution to agrivoltaics Action group.
Concerning Subtask 4 – Broader Sustainability Topics (BST), research involves studying public acceptance of PV modules and expanding human health risk assessments for landfilling of CdTe PV.
Overall, the anticipated report for 2025 reflects the ongoing dedication and interdisciplinary collaboration within Task 12 to advance the sustainability of photovoltaic technology and drive the global energy transition.
Task 12 aims to drive the sustainable evolution of photovoltaic (PV) technology by focusing on key objectives:
1. Environmental Impact: It quantifies and improves the environmental footprint of PV electricity, enabling comparisons with other energy sources to inform sustainable decision-making.
2. Circular Economy: Task 12 advances circularity within the PV industry through research, collaboration, and standards development, aiming to optimize material use and promote sustainable practices.
3. Synergetic Impacts: It studies the broader environmental and ecological effects of PV system deployment, including novel configurations like agrivoltaics and floating PV, to understand and mitigate potential impacts.
4. Social and Socio-economic Considerations: Task 12 addresses social acceptance and socio-economic factors crucial for PV market growth, advocating for best practices and evaluating assessment frameworks to guide sustainable development.
5. Knowledge Sharing: Task 12 disseminates its findings to technical experts, policymakers, and the public through various channels, facilitating informed decision-making and collective action towards a sustainable energy future powered by PV technology.
Task 12 aims to facilitate a common understanding of PV Sustainability among the various country-members and disseminate the Task’s outcomes and knowledge to stakeholders, energy and environmental policy decision makers, and the general public.
A key aspect of Task 12’s outreach is the publication of reports, factsheets, and technical documents that provide in-depth analyses on various aspects of PV sustainability. These publications serve as essential resources for understanding the environmental and social impacts of PV technologies. In addition to written materials, Task 12 actively engages with stakeholders through workshops and webinars, fostering knowledge exchange and discussions on best practices in PV sustainability.
Task 12 is jointly operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Total Energies. In addition to that, Task 12 receives valuable support from further leading research institutions, ensuring a strong foundation for advancing PV sustainability.
– Subtask 1 (Circular Economy – CE) now embraces a broader scope, focusing on the entire life cycle of PV technology and promoting circular economy principles, aiming to establish robust strategies within companies and nations.
– Subtask 2 (Life Cycle Assessment – LCA) maintains its focus on established Task 12 products, expanding to include peripheral balance of system technologies and improving methods for assessing primary mineral resource intensity.
– Subtask 3 (Ecosystem Integrated PV – EcoPV) is dedicated to assessing the ecological impact of PV systems, especially in emerging areas like agrivoltaics and floating PV, providing essential guidance for mitigating environmental impacts.
– Subtask 4 (Broader Sustainability Topics – BST) broadens Task 12’s horizon by addressing social acceptance and human health risks associated with PV technologies, aiming to enhance support for sustainable development across various dimensions.
