Implementation of Carbon Certification System for Solar Modules: "Greenhouse Gas Reduction"

Application for Carbon Emission Verification of Solar Modules Received on the 22nd
RPS Selection Bidding Based on Emission Levels
Differentiated Incentives Applied for Government Supply Projects and Others

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that starting from the 22nd, it will begin accepting applications for carbon emission verification of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The ministry has finalized the operation notice for the Solar PV Carbon Certification System and the detailed calculation and verification standards.

According to the ministry, the Solar PV Carbon Certification System is a key task of the 'Renewable Energy Industry Competitiveness Enhancement Plan' announced by the ministry last year.

The system quantifies and verifies the total greenhouse gas emissions per unit output (1kW) throughout the entire manufacturing process of solar PV modules (polysilicon - ingot/wafer - cell - module) in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2, kg).

The total greenhouse gas emissions are evaluated by summing the emissions generated during the solar PV module manufacturing process (nitrous oxide N2O, CO2, etc.) and the emissions from electricity consumption for production.

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

The ministry expects that implementing the certification system will contribute to global greenhouse gas reduction and strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic solar PV industry.

Assuming a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions per solar PV module installed domestically, approximately 230,000 tons of CO2 can be reduced annually.

Through the certification system, the ministry anticipates it will be able to ▲ proactively respond to the global expansion of eco-friendly markets ▲ induce the development of low-carbon process systems and high-output modules ▲ strengthen capabilities to manage supply risks of materials and components through diversification of supply sources.

By developing process systems that minimize energy inputs such as electricity and fuel during module manufacturing, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

By evaluating carbon emissions per unit output, the system encourages the development of high-output and high-efficiency modules that are advantageous in carbon emission calculations, thereby enhancing the technological competitiveness of domestic solar PV modules.

The ministry plans to classify modules into three grades based on carbon emissions. These grades will be applied differentially with incentives in the second half's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) bidding market and government subsidy projects.

When announcing the second half RPS bidding and government subsidy projects next month, the ministry will finalize and provide guidance on the application plan for incentives for low-carbon solar PV modules.

Considering market conditions, the carbon emission standards for each grade will be gradually raised to strengthen the eco-friendliness of solar PV modules.

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

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