Solar cells combined with geothermal or wind power systems reduces climate and environmental impact

This research investigates the environmental sustainability of three integrated power cycles: combined geothermal-wind, combined solar-geothermal, and combined solar-wind. A promising solar technology, the perovskite solar cell (PSC), is analysed in conjunction with another renewable-based cycle, evaluating 17 scenarios focusing on improving efficiency and lifespan. Among the base cases, combined solar-wind had the lowest ozone depletion impact, while combined geothermal-wind had the lowest freshwater ecotoxicity and marine ecotoxicity impacts. Extending the PSC lifespan from 3 to 15 years reduces CO2 emissions by 28% for the combined solar-geothermal and 56% for the combined solar-wind scenario. The most sustainable cases in ozone depletion, marine ecotoxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, and climate change impacts are combined solar-wind, combined solar-geothermal, and combined geothermal-wind, respectively, among all evaluated scenarios. The research suggests investing in the best mix of integrated power cycles using established and emerging renewable technologies for maximum environmental sustainability.

Moein Shamoushaki, S. C. Lenny Koh