RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

Mandatory Submission of Solar Modules: Tracking Damage and Disposal for Sustainable PV Lifecycle Management 1. Introduction Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is a cornerstone of India's renewable energy strategy, contributing significantly to the nation's goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, the rapid expansion of solar installations has brought forth a less-discussed yet critical issue: the management of damaged and end-of-life PV modules. Improper disposal of damaged modules poses severe environmental hazards due to toxic materials and represents a loss of valuable resources like silicon, silver, and copper. To address this, a mandatory submission policy requiring annual reporting of damaged solar modules can create a robust framework for sustainable disposal and recycling. Such a policy amendment to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines can help address this issue effectively while fostering a circular economy. 2. Current ...

Carbon accounting is the process of measuring and tracking the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by an organization, product, or activity over a specific period. It involves calculating carbon emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other GHGs like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), to better understand the environmental impact and take action to reduce emissions. Carbon accounting is essential for meeting regulatory requirements, setting emission reduction targets, and supporting sustainability efforts like carbon neutrality or net-zero goals. Types of Carbon Emissions: Carbon emissions are typically categorized into three scopes, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol : Scope 1: Direct Emissions : Emissions that come from sources owned or controlled by the organization. Examples: emissions from burning fossil fuels for company-owned vehicles or manufacturing processes. Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Energy : Emissions resulting from the generation of electrici...