Aerosol Pollution and Solar Power Generation

Why in News?

Recently, a study found that the aerosol pollution reduces the solar power generation capacity.

Findings of the study

• Analysis published in – Nature Sustainability.
• Reduced solar power generation – Aerosols in the air reduced the amount of solar power generated in India by 9.6% in 2023, equivalent to around 15 terawatt-hours (TWh).
• Global average loss – It was 5.8%.
• Role of smog – It directly reduces the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels, thus undermining an important source of power meant to replace coal in India.

Smog is a mixture of aerosols and gases

• Aerosols – They are tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere, ranging in size from a few nanometres to several micrometres.
• Aerosol pollution – It refers to excessive concentration of these particles in the air, adversely affecting human health, visibility, weather, and climate.

Types

• Natural Aerosols – Dust storms, sea salt, volcanic ash, pollen, forest-fire smoke.
• Anthropogenic (Human-made) Aerosols – Sulfates, nitrates, black carbon (soot), fly ash, industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, biomass burning.
• Major Sources
• Fossil fuel combustion in power plants and industries.
• Vehicular emissions.
• Crop residue burning and biomass combustion.
• Construction activities and road dust.
• Mining and quarrying operations.
• Natural events such as volcanic eruptions and dust storms.
• Environmental and Health Impacts:
• Cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Reduce visibility, leading to smog formation.
• Influence cloud formation and precipitation patterns.
• Alter Earth's radiation balance.

India vs China analysis –

• Absolute Energy Loss (2023) - China experienced the highest absolute loss globally at 61.3 TWh due to its massive overall solar capacity, while India lost approximately 15 TWh
• Fractional loss - India faced a higher efficiency impact with a 9.6% reduction in its total solar generation potential, compared to China's lower fractional loss of 7.7%.
• Share of loss - China alone accounted for 54.9% of all aerosol-related solar energy losses worldwide, whereas India's share remained highly significant but smaller in absolute volume.
• 2013 -2023 Pollution data- India’s aerosol-induced solar production losses remained stagnant and flat with no reduction. In contrast, China successfully decreased its losses by roughly 1.4% annually through aggressive power plant retrofits.

Reference

The Hindu| Air pollution and Solar Power Generation