The manufacturing process of solar batteries contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in several key ways:
Energy Consumption and Fossil Fuels
- Fossil Fuel Use: Most solar battery manufacturing relies on fossil fuels like coal, particularly in countries like China, where coal is the primary energy source. Fossil fuels emit significant amounts of CO2 when burned, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Material Extraction and Processing
- Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel Mining: The extraction of lithium, cobalt, and nickel for battery production is not only energy-intensive but also results in considerable CO2 emissions. For instance, lithium mining releases about 15 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of lithium extracted. These processes often involve substantial water usage and can lead to toxic waste.
Heat Requirements for Material Synthesis
- High-Temperature Processes: Synthesizing materials for battery production requires heating to between 800°C and 1000°C. Achieving these temperatures cost-effectively often involves burning fossil fuels, further increasing CO2 emissions.
Manufacturing Steps Emissions
- Battery Assembly: While individual steps like electrode coating and electrolyte filling do not directly emit significant greenhouse gases, the overall assembly process, including transportation and packaging, contributes to emissions.
Comparison to Solar Panel Emissions
- Net Emissions Over Time: Solar panels and their associated batteries can offset operational emissions over their lifespan, but the initial manufacturing impact needs to be assessed in the context of their long-term environmental benefits.
Efforts to reduce these emissions include innovations in manufacturing processes, using renewable energy sources during production, and improving recycling methods to minimize waste.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-manufacturing-process-of-solar-batteries-contribute-to-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
