Renewable Resources & Alternative Energy
This sector relates to the following sub-sectors: Biofuels, Fuel Cells & Industrial Batteries, Solar Technology & Project Developers, Wind Technology & Project Developers, Forestry & Paper.
Solar Technology & Project Developers
Each section below relates to the TPT Disclosure Framework principles of Action and Accountability. The below provides further guidance for sub-elements 4.1 and 4.3. The TPT welcomes comments on this guidance to ensure it is as useful as possible for preparers and users. The text is open for comment until Friday, 24 November. Please select the feedback form at the bottom of the page. The final text will be updated in February.
The Solar Technology & Project Developers industry comprises companies that manufacture solar energy equipment, including solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, polysilicon feedstock, solar thermal electricity-generation systems, solar inverters, and other related components. Companies may also develop, build, and manage solar energy projects and offer financing or maintenance services to customers.
1. Scale mass manufacture of solar PV technologies3, 4
- increase manufacturing capacity, utilisation, and support installation of solar PV technologies; and
- develop innovative cell designs and advanced materials that can improve the conversion efficiency of solar panels.
2. Reduce carbon intensity of manufacturing process3, 4
- purchase or onsite generation of zero-carbon electricity; and
- electrification of low-to-medium heating applications.
3. Decarbonise supply chains3,4
- work with suppliers on climate information collection, engagement and incentivisation of best practice, and collaboration for innovative new productions; and
- provide financial incentives, e.g. purchase agreements or green premiums, to scale and secure supply of low-GHG emissions materials, e.g. green steel and aluminium.
4. Minimising product lifecycle impacts through innovation in product design and business practices3,5
- encourage the use of responsible mining practices for raw materials, promote recycling and circular economy approaches;
- extend the operational lifetime of solar panels through robust design and regular maintenance to reduce material usage and cost per unit of electricity generated;
- promote standardisation of materials and components across developers and manufacturers to reduce costs and the footprint of supply; and
- incorporate sustainable design and construction practices in solar project development, considering factors such as land use optimisation, habitat conservation, minimising water consumption during construction and operation, and utilising environmentally friendly installation techniques.
5. Grid Integration and Flexibility1, 2
- implementation of advanced grid management techniques, such as smart grid technologies, energy storage systems and demand response mechanisms, to enhance the flexibility and reliability of solar power; and
- support key areas of innovation, such as grid enhancing technologies, advanced conductors and superconductors, and high voltage direct current transmission.
- (1) total energy consumed (GJ), (2) percentage grid electricity, (3) percentage renewable;5
- percentage of products sold that are recyclable or reusable;5
- weight of end-of-life material recovered; percentage recycled;5
- total capacity of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules produced Megawatts (MW);5
- total capacity of completed solar energy systems Megawatts (MW);5
- total project development assets;5
- energy conversion efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels (percentage);2 and
- total capacity of the energy storage system used alongside a solar project (Kilowatt-hours or Megawatt-hours).3
- Scope 1 emissions from the manufacturing of Solar PV (e.g. natural gas).4
Solar Technology & Project Developers literature
- Breakthrough Energy, Embracing Innovation, Embracing Innovation: Transforming the Grid for a Sustainable Future, 2023
- Breakthrough Energy, The Transmission Challenge Ahead, The transmission challenge ahead, 2023
- International Energy Agency (IEA), Energy Technology Perspectives 2023, 2023
- IEA, Solar PV- Fuels & Technologies, 2023
- IFRS, [Draft] Industry-based Guidance on Implementing IFRS S2, 2022
Your feedback
The TPT welcomes comments on the Sector Summary to ensure it is as useful as possible for preparers and users. The Sector Summary was open for comment until Friday 24 November and, following consideration of the feedback received, will be updated in February. Thank you to the industry experts who provided comments.
