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Fabrication of High Contrast Gratings for the Spectrum Splitting Dispersive Element in a Concentrated Photovoltaic System
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Breaking down barriers on PV trade will facilitate global carbon mitigation
Mudan Wang1,2, Xianqiang Mao3,4, Youkai Xing1,2,5
1School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Street No. 19, Beijing, 100875, PR China.
Nature Communications
|November 25, 2021
Summary
Global trade in solar photovoltaic (PV) products boosts solar power and cuts emissions. Reducing trade barriers significantly enhances solar capacity and carbon mitigation potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Energy Policy
- International Trade
Background:
- Global trade in solar photovoltaic (PV) products is crucial for expanding solar power generation.
- This trade significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
- Understanding trade patterns and barriers is key to maximizing solar energy's climate benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global PV product trade patterns.
- To explore the potential for emissions reductions through solar power.
- To evaluate the impact of tariff barriers on PV trade and climate change mitigation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global PV product trade data.
- Modeling of solar power generation and emissions reduction scenarios (2017-2060).
- Simulation of trade barrier effects (status quo, reduced, and increased barriers).
Main Results:
- Solar power could reduce emissions by 50-180 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) by 2060 under a business-as-usual scenario.
- Removing half of existing trade barriers could increase global solar capacity by 750 GW.
- Increased trade barriers could decrease solar capacity by 160-370 GW and reduce emissions mitigation potential by 3-4 GtCO2e.
Conclusions:
- Reducing trade barriers significantly enhances solar energy deployment and carbon emissions mitigation.
- Tariff barriers impede the growth of solar PV trade and its associated environmental benefits.
- Coordinated policy and institutional reforms are essential to facilitate PV trade and achieve global climate goals.
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