Recycling

Maharashtra-based RecycleKaro will set up a plant to produce nickel metal from scrap lithium-ion batteries and nickel hydroxide. The plant is set for commissioning by December end and is expected to produce 1,200 tonnes of nickel metal annually.

A research group in the United States has developed a process to recover lead in its metallic form so that it can be reused in the PV industry. The process relies on a leaching solution based on a combination of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which the researchers said leaches the lead ‘in a matter of minutes.’

French eco-organization Soren, which collects and recycles end-of-life solar panels, has published its 2022 annual report. Last year, more than 10 million solar panels were put on the market in France, up 25% from 2021.

The Dutch cabinet said it will support solar factories that will produce panels with a circular economy approach. It also allocated €296 million to support battery manufacturing.

A new study proposes a blockchain-based solar passports framework to address the PV waste management challenge in India. It says such a framework would enable transparent tracking and verification of PV panels throughout their lifecycle, ensuring efficient asset monetization and promoting sustainable practices within the solar industry.

Scientists in Belgium are exploring the potential of recycled silicon in solar modules at the end of their life cycle for reuse in low-cost, higher-energy-density storage technologies. They claim EV batteries using this silicon may allow faster recharging and travel longer distances on a single charge.

Noida-headquartered Lohum has introduced a 5 kWh energy storage system under its collaboration with MG Motor India to develop second-life solutions for used EV batteries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched India Energy Week 2023, a three-day event connecting India’s energy stakeholders with international counterparts to collaborate for a responsible and smart energy transition on India’s road to net zero. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said India is today the world’s most suitable place for investment. He called upon the stakeholders to explore every possibility in India’s energy sector and get involved with it.

Japan’s Shintora Kosan has developed a novel water jet technology to recover glass from end-of-life PV modules. It says it can pulverize the solar cells and the backsheets without damaging the glass.

Electric vehicle (EV) and component manufacturers seek a uniform 5% goods and service tax (GST) for all EV spare parts. They also want the scrapping of import duty on lithium-ion battery cells and policy support for battery recycling.