A Green Transition? An Overview of Current Uses of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Shift from Fossil Fuels to Green Energy

Extensive research on climate change over the years all points in the same direction; systemic action is increasingly urgent. As a response, substantial efforts have been launched for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives, which includes the electrification of the energy, transportation and industry sectors, among other solutions. Solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps are some examples in this so-called green energy transition. Still, the notion of “green” is without a conclusive definition. To contextualize, pollution and biodiversity loss, apart from climate change, have been shown to threaten the environment, ecosystems and human wellbeing, jointly known as the triple planetary crisis. The three dimensions (and the solutions to them) are interlinked, as can be exemplified through the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While they may provide important functions in the proposed green energy solutions to mitigate climate change (e.g. as binder in batteries), all PFAS in this immense chemical class are persistent, leading to significant, long-lasting pollution impacts. Thus, the question remains, can we make the current renewable energy transition a truly green energy transition? To address this matter, it is key to first understand if PFAS are essential in a green energy transition. In this work, we present an overview of the uses of PFAS in several major energy technologies that commonly are rated as green. This includes, for instance, various battery chemistries, energy generation applications such as photovoltaics and wind turbines as well as fuel cells and electrolyzers of different types. Furthermore, we point to the need for transition to alternatives. The data were collected with an extensive literature review of both peer-reviewed literature as well as regulatory texts, surveying industrial and academic contributions to the field. In addition, interviews were conducted with both current industry parties which use PFAS and new actors providing alternative solutions. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of highlighting the broader impacts, including PFAS pollution, associated with implementing green energy technologies to address climate change. This work contributes to this understudied field by providing knowledge and data that can be used to inform policy- and decision-making, such as improving recycling to mitigate potential emissions of PFAS or advancing alternative assessments of these technologies.