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Abstract
The concentration of photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing has resulted in benefits in accelerated learning and competition on pricing but comes with risks arising from supply chain disruptions. Factors contributing to these risks include geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and natural disasters. With growth in demand for PV modules internationally, to meet decarbonisation commitments, there is growing interest in diversifying PV manufacturing, to manage the supply chain risks and to benefit from the long-term commitments to clean energy. Justifying an investment in local PV manufacturing however needs to go beyond pricing, and requires a comprehensive consideration of the associated economic, environmental, and social aspects.
In this work, a multi-objective optimisation model is introduced that examines the various dimensions of local PV manufacturing. Four main objectives will be discussed:
• The minimum sustainable price of PV module production
• The required commitments for supporting or protecting local PV manufacturing
• The social and environmental impacts of local PV manufacturing
• The trade-off between economic, environmental, and social benefits
By incorporating these findings, the work is aimed at providing policymakers and stakeholders with the information needed to better understand the opportunities, risks and challenges when considering all the economic, social, and environmental criteria. Informed decisions can then be made regarding the diversification of PV supply chains.
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Brief Bio
Mohammad is an ACAP postdoctoral researcher in the School of Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering at UNSW Sydney. He received his PhD from UNSW Sydney in 2023. His primary research focus centers on evaluating the sustainability of the PV module manufacturing supply chains in both local and global markets, considering various policy mechanisms. His interests include PV manufacturing supply chain modeling and optimisation, with a particular emphasis on understanding the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the supply chain, as well as developing policy strategies to promote local PV manufacturing.
