India braces for surge in solar waste amid renewable energy expansion
India’s ambitious drive to ramp up its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar energy, is poised to reshape its economy. However, alongside this growth comes the challenge of managing the resulting accumulation of solar waste.
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) projects that between the financial years 2024 and 2030, India’s solar capacity expansion could generate a staggering 600 kilotonnes of waste, equivalent to 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are expected to bear the brunt of this waste production.
The waste, primarily composed of photovoltaic (PV) materials containing critical minerals such as cadmium, tellurium, silicon, and silver, underscores the need for proactive waste management policies.
CEEW’s CEO Arunabha Ghosh emphasizes the strategic importance of addressing solar waste not only for environmental reasons but also for ensuring energy security and fostering a circular economy. With India’s solar capacity growing from four GW in 2015 to 73 GW in 2023, robust recycling mechanisms become increasingly vital.
The study’s findings are crucial for informing practical waste management policies, aligning with initiatives by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to tackle e-waste.
By proactively recycling solar waste, India can bolster its renewable ecosystems, create green jobs, enhance mineral security, spur innovation, and fortify circular supply chains.
As of fiscal year 2023, India’s solar power capacity stood at 66.7 GW, generating 100 kilotonnes of waste. However, projections indicate this figure could skyrocket to 600 kilotonnes by 2030 and surge to 19,000 kilotonnes by 2050.
Recognizing the criticality of PV materials, the mines ministry has classified them as essential, underscoring the potential for reducing import dependency and improving mineral security through recycling.
Both CEEW and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prioritize solar PV recycling, acknowledging its importance for sustainable renewable development.
The report highlights logistical challenges in the solar industry, including equipment damage during handling, operations, or transportation, urging the sector to address these issues.
CEEW’s recommendations include maintaining updated databases of solar capacity, issuing guidelines for safe storage and processing of solar waste, and establishing waste collection and storage centers by solar equipment producers.
As India navigates its renewable energy transition, efficient solar waste management emerges as a critical component for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
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