Quantifying the potential triple benefits of photovoltaic energy development in reducing emissions, restoring ecological resource, and alleviating poverty in China

Abstract

China has set ambitious carbon neutrality goals and is actively developing photovoltaic (PV) energy. The construction of PV stations could have impacts on the land surface and vegetation. This study employs multiple models and machine learning to simulate the impact of PV station construction on net primary productivity (NPP) and triple benefits: emission reduction, income increase, and ecosystem services (ES). Results reveal spatially varied NPP changes due to PV construction, with improvements concentrated in arid northwestern regions, covering 44.1 % of China's potential construction areas. Over 76 % of barren land PV installations enhance NPP, averaging 17.4 gC/m²/year increase. Northwest of China emerge as key areas for future PV development. By 2060, PV construction could yield emission reduction and carbon trading values of 757 billion yuan annually. Balancing suitability and ecological impacts in PV planning can achieve multi-benefits, including 42.5 billion yuan/year in ES value, while conserving land