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Cadmium flows and emissions from CdTe PV: future expectations

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  • Raugei, Marco
  • Fthenakis, Vasilis

Abstract

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic (CdTe PV) technology is growing rapidly, and already represents the largest contributor to non-silicon based photovoltaics worldwide. We assessed the extent to which CdTe PV will play a notable role in the Cd use and emission flows in the future, and whether it will be environmentally beneficial or detrimental. Our results show that while CdTe PV may account for a large percentage of future global Cd demand, its role in terms of Cd sequestration may be beneficial. We calculated that its potential contribution to yearly global Cd emissions to air and water may well be orders-of-magnitude lower than the respective current Cd emissions rates in Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Raugei, Marco & Fthenakis, Vasilis, 2010. "Cadmium flows and emissions from CdTe PV: future expectations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(9), pages 5223-5228, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:38:y:2010:i:9:p:5223-5228
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    1. Fthenakis, Vasilis, 2009. "Sustainability of photovoltaics: The case for thin-film solar cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(9), pages 2746-2750, December.
    2. Fthenakis, Vasilis M., 2004. "Life cycle impact analysis of cadmium in CdTe PV production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 8(4), pages 303-334, August.
    3. Sten Karlsson & Fredrik Fredrikson & John Holmberg, 2004. "Future Redistribution of Cadmium to Arable Swedish Soils: A Substance Stock Analysis," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 8(4), pages 41-57, October.
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    3. Hu, Xueyue & Wang, Chunying & Elshkaki, Ayman, 2024. "Material-energy Nexus: A systematic literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    4. Cyrs, William D. & Avens, Heather J. & Capshaw, Zachary A. & Kingsbury, Robert A. & Sahmel, Jennifer & Tvermoes, Brooke E., 2014. "Landfill waste and recycling: Use of a screening-level risk assessment tool for end-of-life cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 524-533.
    5. Mulvaney, Dustin & Richards, Ryan M. & Bazilian, Morgan D. & Hensley, Erin & Clough, Greg & Sridhar, Seetharaman, 2021. "Progress towards a circular economy in materials to decarbonize electricity and mobility," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    6. Songi Kim & Bongju Jeong, 2016. "Closed-Loop Supply Chain Planning Model for a Photovoltaic System Manufacturer with Internal and External Recycling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-17, June.
    7. Ornella Malandrino & Daniela Sica & Mario Testa & Stefania Supino, 2017. "Policies and Measures for Sustainable Management of Solar Panel End-of-Life in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-15, March.
    8. Fthenakis, Vasilis & Athias, Clement & Blumenthal, Alyssa & Kulur, Aylin & Magliozzo, Julia & Ng, David, 2020. "Sustainability evaluation of CdTe PV: An update," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    9. Ravikumar, Dwarakanath & Malghan, Deepak, 2013. "Material constraints for indigenous production of CdTe PV: Evidence from a Monte Carlo experiment using India's National Solar Mission Benchmarks," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 393-403.
    10. Marwede, Max & Reller, Armin, 2012. "Future recycling flows of tellurium from cadmium telluride photovoltaic waste," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 35-49.

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