India’s Solar Waste Management Challenge: Current Status and Projection

Context

According to the analysis “Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry” done by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of solar waste in the financial year (FY) 2022-2023.

What is Solar waste?

• Solar waste is defined as the waste which is generated during the manufacturing of solar modules and waste from the field during a project’s lifetime.

Pros of Addressing Solar Waste Management

• Safeguard renewable ecosystems.
• Create green jobs.
• Enhance mineral security.
• Foster innovation.
• Promotes sustainable development.
• Maximise resource efficiency and make domestic supply chains resilient.

Solar Waste Management: Key Findings of the Study

• Current Capacity and Waste:

  • Current Capacity and Past Waste: India’s existing installed capacity of 66.7 GW (as of FY23) has already produced approximately 100 kilotonnes of waste.
  • 2030 Waste Projection: This waste is projected to increase significantly to 340 kilotonnes by 2030.

• Cumulative Waste Projections:

• • Rise in Cumulative Waste: The cumulative solar waste from both existing and new capacity deployment, between FY24 and FY30, is estimated to reach about 600 kilotonnes by 2030.
  • Rise in Waste Due to New Capacities: By 2050, 600 kilotonnes is projected to rise significantly to approximately 19,000 kilotonnes, with 77% generated from new capacities.

• Mineral Composition in Discarded Modules:

  • Minerals in Solar Waste: Discarded solar modules contain critical minerals such as silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium.

• Major States of Solar Waste Production:

• • In India, 67% of solar waste is Concentrated in Five States.
  • These states are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Recommendations to Solar Waste Management

• Database Maintenance: Policymakers are urged to maintain a comprehensive database of installed solar capacity to estimate future solar waste accurately.
• Incentivizing Recyclers: Policymakers should provide incentives to recyclers to encourage effective management of growing solar waste.
• Creating a Market for Solar Recycling: India has been urged to focus on establishing a market for solar recycling.