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Management of Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of a Photovoltaic Power Plant on the Atmosphere, Water, and Soil Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Patryk Leda

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Adam Idzikowski

    (Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Armii Krajowej 19B, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland)

  • Izabela Piasecka

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Tomasz Cierlicki

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Marcin Zawada

    (Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Armii Krajowej 19B, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland)

Abstract

Photovoltaic power plants are considered to be environmentally friendly solutions to the production of electricity. Solar energy conversion does not release toxic compounds into the environment. However, the construction of solar power plant components (photovoltaic modules, sup-porting structure, inverter station, electrical installation) is extremely consumptive of energy and materials. Massive volumes of minerals, fossil fuels, and electricity are consumed during the manufacturing process. Efficient management of energy and environmental resources seems to be critical for national policy. It is crucial to admit that the post-consumer management of the components of a photovoltaic power plant is connected with a certain quantity of energy and matter and a negative impact on the natural environment. A life cycle assessment was carried out on a real 2 MW photovoltaic power plant located in the northern part of Poland. The analysis was carried out applying the ReCiPe 2016 model and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The impact of the examined renewable energy system was evaluated using 22 impact categories and 3 emission areas (air, water, soil). Life Cycle Assessment analysis was carried out for 2 post-consumer development scenarios (landfill and recycling). The examination of the collected results reveals that photovoltaic modules are the element causing the most negative environmental repercussions connected to the release of dangerous compounds into the atmosphere. Post-consumer development in the form of recycling would provide major environmental benefits and reduce detrimental environmental consequences across the whole life cycle of the photovoltaic power plant. The obtained research results enabled the formulation of pro-environmental recommendations aimed at the long-term development of the life cycle of solar power plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Patryk Leda & Adam Idzikowski & Izabela Piasecka & Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos & Tomasz Cierlicki & Marcin Zawada, 2023. "Management of Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of a Photovoltaic Power Plant on the Atmosphere, Water, and Soil Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:10:p:4230-:d:1152124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patryk Leda & Weronika Kruszelnicka & Anna Leda & Izabela Piasecka & Zbigniew Kłos & Andrzej Tomporowski & Józef Flizikowski & Marek Opielak, 2023. "Life Cycle Analysis of a Photovoltaic Power Plant Using the CED Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-19, December.

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