Assessing the environmental health and safety risks of solar energy production

Assessing the environmental health and safety risks of solar energy production

Received on 08 January 2024; revised on 15 February 2024; accepted on 17 February 2024 | Alex Olanrewaju Adekanambi 1, Nwakamma Ninduwezuor-Ehiobu 2.*, Uchenna Izuka 3, Ayodeji Abatan 4, Emmanuel Chigozie Ani 5 and Alexander Obaigbena 6
The article "Assessing the Environmental Health and Safety Risks of Solar Energy Production" by Alex Olanrewaju Adekanmbi et al. reviews the current state of research on the environmental health and safety (EHS) risks associated with solar energy production. The review covers both environmental impacts and safety risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and management throughout the life cycle of solar energy systems. **Environmental Impacts:** - The manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and end-of-life disposal or recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems are examined. - Key considerations include energy and resource consumption, land use change, habitat disruption, and biodiversity loss. - Studies highlight the importance of efficient recycling processes and sustainable material sourcing to reduce environmental impacts. **Safety Risks:** - Occupational health and safety hazards are discussed, including exposure to hazardous materials, falls, electrical hazards, and workplace accidents. - The need for stringent safety protocols, personal protective equipment, and worker training is emphasized. - Special attention is given to vulnerable workforces, such as immigrant workers, and the importance of regulatory protections. **Emerging Technologies and Best Practices:** - Advancements in PV panel recycling technologies and improvements in manufacturing processes are highlighted. - Enhanced safety protocols and training for workers are crucial to ensure a safe working environment. - The integration of sustainable practices and technological innovations is essential for a sustainable and safe deployment of solar energy technologies. **Future Outlook and Emerging Trends:** - Key trends include addressing air pollution impacts, life cycle environmental assessments, and the use of advanced decision-making techniques. - The role of nanotechnology in renewable energy systems is discussed, along with the need for robust regulatory frameworks to manage EHS risks. **Conclusion:** - Solar energy production offers significant benefits but requires continuous research and innovation to address EHS risks. - Effective regulatory frameworks and sustainable practices are essential for ensuring a sustainable and safe future for solar energy.The article "Assessing the Environmental Health and Safety Risks of Solar Energy Production" by Alex Olanrewaju Adekanmbi et al. reviews the current state of research on the environmental health and safety (EHS) risks associated with solar energy production. The review covers both environmental impacts and safety risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and management throughout the life cycle of solar energy systems. **Environmental Impacts:** - The manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and end-of-life disposal or recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems are examined. - Key considerations include energy and resource consumption, land use change, habitat disruption, and biodiversity loss. - Studies highlight the importance of efficient recycling processes and sustainable material sourcing to reduce environmental impacts. **Safety Risks:** - Occupational health and safety hazards are discussed, including exposure to hazardous materials, falls, electrical hazards, and workplace accidents. - The need for stringent safety protocols, personal protective equipment, and worker training is emphasized. - Special attention is given to vulnerable workforces, such as immigrant workers, and the importance of regulatory protections. **Emerging Technologies and Best Practices:** - Advancements in PV panel recycling technologies and improvements in manufacturing processes are highlighted. - Enhanced safety protocols and training for workers are crucial to ensure a safe working environment. - The integration of sustainable practices and technological innovations is essential for a sustainable and safe deployment of solar energy technologies. **Future Outlook and Emerging Trends:** - Key trends include addressing air pollution impacts, life cycle environmental assessments, and the use of advanced decision-making techniques. - The role of nanotechnology in renewable energy systems is discussed, along with the need for robust regulatory frameworks to manage EHS risks. **Conclusion:** - Solar energy production offers significant benefits but requires continuous research and innovation to address EHS risks. - Effective regulatory frameworks and sustainable practices are essential for ensuring a sustainable and safe future for solar energy.
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