Comparative LCA of CARBON photovoltaic plant

CARBON

CARBON is a gigafactory project dedicated to the manufacture of solar panels in France, located in Fos-sur-Mer, and recognised as a Project of Major National Interest. In an industry historically located in Asia, the establishment of this factory in France aims to relocate production while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the modules thanks to a low-carbon electricity mix.

Type of mission

Carbon footprint (scope 1 and 2)

Realization

Juliette Leroy

Sector of activity

Energy / Photovoltaics

Location

Fos-sur-Mer, France

Year

2024

Our mission

We were approached by Jérôme Marchais, Industrial Director at CARBON, to study the decarbonisation potential of the gigafactory project. The objective was to compare the carbon emissions (scopes 1 and 2) of production in France with those of a reference scenario based on Chinese factories, which currently dominate the photovoltaic industry.

The analysis covered all stages of photovoltaic module manufacturing, from ingot production to final assembly, based on recent data from audited Chinese factories.

This study highlights the decisive impact of the electricity mix on the industrial carbon footprint. By choosing to manufacture in France, CARBON drastically reduces the emissions associated with photovoltaic production, while strengthening European industrial and energy sovereignty.

87 %

emissions avoided compared to the Chinese scenario, or 464,865 tCO₂e/year

÷ 13

French electricity mix 13 times less impactful than Chinese electricity mix

465 000

tCO₂e/year avoided compared to a reference plant in China, thanks to a more decarbonised electricity mix

We benefited from Kapstan's expertise in the comparative decarbonisation study of the CARBON Giga-plant in Fos-sur-Mer. In addition to their considerable technical expertise on the subject, we particularly appreciated their commitment, responsiveness and willingness to exceed expectations in order to effectively support our teams.

Dr Raffaella GIARDINO

Director of Product and Process Innovation

Juliette Leroy, consultante en Analyse de Cycle de Vie (ACV) chez Kapstan

Contact référent

Do you have any questions about Life Cycle Assessment? Contact Juliette for an initial discussion!