Does the clean energy transition need forever chemicals?
As nations globally move to ban forever chemicals, should renewable energy technologies be exempt for the sake of saving the climate?
From solar panels to wind turbines and batteries, the energy transition relies heavily on a variety of technologies that share a common ingredient: forever chemicals. These are a group of over 10,000 synthetic substances known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment and can take thousands of years to break down.
PFAS have been linked to numerous health issues, including an increased risk of cancer, suppressed immune function, decreased fertility, and developmental delays in children. Despite bans on some consumer products containing toxic PFAS in countries such as France, New Zealand, and Denmark, the European Union is considering a more comprehensive ban on the thousands of forever chemicals.
The European Union's proposal would ban fluoropolymers, prized for their durability in extreme conditions, and found in numerous green technologies like lithium-ion batteries and solar panels. The Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership (PFP), an alliance of major chemical companies, argues that PFAS are essential for climate change mitigation and energy goals, stating that bans would make the transition more expensive or even impossible.
Members of the PFP include the chemical arm of 3M, which faces a $2 billion lawsuit from the Australian government for PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam, and Chemours, the company behind Teflon.
The European Environment Agency notes that fluoropolymers are not as concerning as their monomer building blocks due to their larger molecular size, which limits uptake into living cells and potential toxicity. However, these polymers still degrade over time, releasing PFAS into the environment through weathering and physical stress. Experts warn that fluoropolymers will inevitably emit PFAS during their lifespan, entering ecosystems and organisms, potentially exacerbating health and environmental harm.
Critics argue that the petrochemical industry, which contributes significantly to global energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, is attempting to justify the use of PFAS as necessary for the clean energy transition. Chemical companies claim that alternatives may not be available or effective enough for critical applications.
However, researchers and environmental advocates are pushing for PFAS-free green technologies. For instance, PFAS-free heat pumps, solar cells without fluoropolymers, and polymer paint for wind turbine blades are already available. By eliminating PFAS from green technologies, experts believe it is possible to reduce the risk to human health and the environment while maintaining the necessary performance and efficiency.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
