Solar Waste in India: A Looming Challenge
Context:
- A study by CEEW and MNRE projects India’s solar waste to reach 600 kilotonnes by 2030.
Key Findings:
- Waste generation:
- Current (FY23): 100 kilotonnes (kt).
- 2030: 340 kt (3.4 times increase).
- 2050: 19,000 kt (190 times increase).
- State contribution:
- 67% of waste from 5 states: Rajasthan (24%), Gujarat (16%), Karnataka (12%), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
India’s Solar Capacity:
- 4th globally in renewable energy capacity additions.
- 5th globally in solar power capacity.
- Increased from 3.74 GW (2014-15) to 74.31 GW (2023-24).
- Projected to reach 292 GW by 2030.
Solar Waste:
- Waste from manufacturing (scrap, failed modules) and project lifetime (transportation damage, operational damage, end-of-life modules).
- This study focuses on project lifetime waste.
Recommendations:
- Maintain a comprehensive database of installed solar capacity.
- MoEFCC to issue guidelines for collection, storage, and processing of solar waste.
- Solar manufacturers to develop waste collection and storage centers.
- Incentivize recyclers and promote effective waste management.
Solar Waste Recycling Methods:
- Conventional recycling: Recovers glass, aluminum, copper (not silver or silicon).
- High value recycling: Recovers silver and silicon through chemical processes.
India’s Solar Waste Management Policy:
- E-waste Management Rules 2022 mandate producers to store solar waste until 2034-35.
- Producers need to file annual returns on e-waste management.
- Recyclers must follow CPCB guidelines for material recovery.
हिन्दी