Can large-scale solar PV help break water constraints in China?

This creates the chance for large-scale PV to help break the bottleneck of the water constraints for power sector in China. While solar PV is widely regarded as a water-saving technology, it comes with embodied water associated with the manufacture of renewable energy equipment [ 10 ].

Does large-scale PV use more water than coal-based power generation?

Life cycle water consumption intensity of large-scale PV is significantly lower than that of coal-based power generation. As an energy generation technology based on high-temperature combustion, traditional coal-based power generation requires large amounts of water for cooling systems.

Can large-scale PV generation replace the existing power supply in China?

Based on the results of this study, it was carefully estimated the water saving potential of large-scale PV generation to replace the existing power supply, paving the way for a gradual replacement of current power generation in China.

How much water does a multi-Si PV power plant use?

The authors found that the upstream water needed for the construction of plant infrastructure for the multi-Si PV power plant is 1.47 L/kWh, which is several orders of magnitude higher than its amount of operational water consumption (0.015 L/kWh).

Does solar irradiation affect water consumption in China?

This paper conducts a study focusing on the life cycle water consumption of large-scale PV power generation in China. The impacts of the recycling technologies, solar irradiance, and air pollution on provincial water consumption intensity are innovatively considered.

Can large-scale PV generation improve water consumption?

Therefore, LCA study on water consumptive use of large-scale PV can help to quantify the actual water consumed caused by PV generation, identify the hot spots in its supply chain, and hence optimize water saving strategies in terms of large-scale PV generation for achieving sustainable development.