A study by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) warns of India's mounting solar waste crisis. Projections suggest that by 2030, the country could face a staggering 600 kilotonnes of solar waste, mainly originating from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
This volume is equivalent to filling approximately 720 Olympic-size swimming pools and underscores the urgent need for effective waste management strategies.
With India's current solar capacity at 66.7 GW, already generating about 100 kilotonnes of waste, this figure is anticipated to skyrocket to 340 kilotonnes by 2030. Critical minerals like silicon, silver, cadmium, and tellurium, vital for India's mineral security, are part of this waste stream.
Recycling solar waste could reduce import dependency and enhance mineral security. Approximately 260 kilotonnes of additional waste is expected from the new capacity deployed between 2024 and 2030.
Looking ahead to 2050, the study forecasts solar waste to balloon to about 19,000 kilotonnes, with 77% from new capacities. This poses both a challenge and an opportunity for India to become a leader in circular economy practices in the solar industry, ensuring resilient supply chains.
India's ambitious plan to amass 292 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030 underscores the urgency of effective waste management. The study, conducted under Niti Aayog's Action Plan for Circular Economy - Solar Panels, provides crucial data for policymaking.
To address this issue, the Environment Ministry amended the E-waste Management Rules 2022 to include solar photovoltaic cells, panels, and modules, mandating producers to manage their waste under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework.
CEEW emphasises the need for proactive measures to tackle solar waste, highlighting its significance for energy security and building a circular economy. However, solar recycling technologies are still nascent, requiring policy support and encouragement.
In summary, India faces a mounting solar waste challenge, with significant implications for mineral security and environmental sustainability. Effective waste management is crucial to mitigate these risks and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the solar industry's growth.
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