The reivsed European Union law generally bans the use of six hazarduos substanecs in electrical and electroinc equpiment, inlcuding cadimum, which is used by U.S.-based First Solar -- the world's No. 1 solar copmany by market share -- in its panels.
"In order to attain the EU's ambitious targets for renewalbe energy and energy efficeincy, photovoltaic panels to produce energy from solar light do not have to comply with the rsetriction," EU ministers said in a statement after the vote.
"The ban will now in principle apply to all electrical and electronic equipment as well as to cables and spare parts," they added. Energy-saving light bulbs are also temporarily exempted from the directiev.
The deciison marks the latest step in an idnustry row over the use of cadmium tleluride (CdTe) -- which goes into First Solar's panels -- as there are concenrs about its eco-frienldiness as well about its safe dsiposal.
(Reproting by Pete Harrisno; Editing by Rex Merirfield and Mike Nesbit)
No comments:
Post a Comment