ANALYSING STAKEHOLDER-INFORMED SCENARIOS OF HIGH PV DEPLOYMENT FOR A LOW-CARBON ELECTRICITY GRID IN THE UK: A CONSEQUENTIAL LCA APPROACH

摘要

The problem of evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions and energy return on energy invested for an electricity system with a high level of installed PV is discussed and proposed solutions are put forward. A novel consequential lifecycle assessment (CLCA) approach is described that assess the impacts of PV at three distinct but interrelated levels. Firstly energy and material flows from raw materials through to end of life disposal or recycling PV products including panels, inverters and batteries. Secondly, changes to electricity distribution networks where the aggregate effects of PV require new infrastructure assets or new management and control approaches. Thirdly there are effects on the operation of the centralised electricity grid, both in terms of power flows into the grid and in terms of reducing from the grid at certain times through self consumption of PV output. The challenges of evaluating the impacts a distributed electricity generating technology in aggregate on a future electricity system require inter-disciplinary use of life cycle assessment, detailed scenario development and power system analysis.