The Challenges of Evaluating Carbon Emissions in a Transitioning Energy System: A Solar PV Case Study

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Provides a framework for lifecycle carbon accounting of solar PV in a decarbonizing grid.

🏢実務担当者:Useful for companies setting scope 3 targets and evaluating renewable procurement decisions.

🏛政策担当者:Informs policy on renewable energy incentives and lifecycle emission standards.

The transition to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change; however, renewable technologies are not entirely zero‐carbon due to embodied emissions from material extraction, manufacturing, and maintenance. These emissions are often overlooked in energy system models that inform policy decisions. As renewable penetration in the UK increases and grid carbon intensity declines, renewables will increasingly displace other low‐carbon sources rather than fossil fuels, making accurate carbon accounting critical. This study evaluates the effectiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in reducing net greenhouse gas emissions and its contribution to the UK's decarbonisation efforts. Results show that while solar PV has significant potential to reduce emissions, its net impact depends on a system‐wide assessment that accounts not only for electricity displacement, but also for interactions with heating and transport electrification and future reductions in embodied emissions. Focusing solely on electricity displacement risks misrepresenting the sustainability of solar PV. Although early deployment may involve relatively high net emissions, rapid decarbonisation of PV supply chains could deliver substantial long‐term benefits. The findings also highlight the critical role of the timing and pace of life cycle emissions reduction and the necessity for improved methods to evaluate the carbon benefits of future renewable energy technologies.

• semanticscholar https://doi.org/10.1049/rpg2.70318first seen 2026-07-28 05:43:36