Presentation Information
[8p-B32-6]Resource Supply Risks Constraining the Sustainability of Photovoltaic Materials and Components
〇Masaharu Motoshita1, Slim Mtibaa1, Ryosuke Yokoi1, Kamrul Islam1, Keitaro Maeno1 (1.AIST)
Keywords:
Critical mineral constraints,Planetary boundaries,Sustainability
Photovoltaic (PV) technology is regarded as a key enabler for achieving a decarbonized society, and its deployment is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. However, the manufacturing of PV modules and related components relies on a wide range of mineral resources, raising concerns about potential supply constraints associated with increasing demand. Resource availability has traditionally been discussed primarily in terms of geological abundance and economically recoverable reserves, taking into account technical and economic feasibility. In recent years, however, growing attention has been paid to a broader set of factors that may affect the sustainability of resource supply, including production capacity, dependence on by-product production, geopolitical risks, and environmental constraints. This presentation examines the potential for critical mineral constraints in materials used for PV-related components from the perspectives of reserves, production capacity, geopolitical risk, and environmental limitations.