Biography
Biography: Dr KT Tan
Abstract
Solar Photovoltaic has been hailed as one of the most promising sources of renewable energy, due to its cost competiveness, predictability, reliability and the endless supply of sun energy. The LCOE (Levelised Cost of Electricity) of Solar PV in certain parts of the world has outperformed the fossil fuel power generation; this makes the widespread adoption of Solar PV as the future power source one step closer to reality. The carbon footprint of manufacturing PV modules has been well documented, and the general consensus is that the embodied energy will be readily paid off in the early years. However, what will be the environmental cost involved in the manufacturing process? In the early 2000s, researchers discovered a legacy of toxic pollution left behind by an unregulated industry, in particular in Chinese villages and farmlands. This presentation explores the harmful impact of the appalling practice of these irresponsible manufacturers, and discusses the pollution controls implemented by the global community since then to combat the pollution issues. Finally, the presentation also examines the current practice of dealing with end-of-life recycling for PV modules – are they adequate to prevent improper disposal of potentially harmful materials? As Solar PV is deemed to become the future source of energy in the not too distant future, the issues relating to pollution throughout its life cycle should be scrutinised more urgently than ever