Two major industry associations will join forces to tackle key challenges in the battle to recycle the fast-growing number of energy storage batteries and solar PV that have reached end-of-life, with many panels dumped in landfill.
The Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) and Circular PV Alliance (CPVA) announced the partnership after discussions on plans to drive recycling in the renewable energy sector.
They call on governments to work with all parties to develop a clear strategy for achieving 100 per cent recycling.
Governments have a role to play including coordinating solutions to regulatory barriers and funding to ensure the required reuse, repurposing and recycling infrastructure is ready at scale especially in regional areas.
The industry associations plan to develop a guideline for reuse, repurposing and recycling of solar PV and batteries from large scale renewable energy developments.
It is estimated there are over 100 million solar PV panels currently installed in Australia.
Some of the first panels installed have already reached end-of-life (EOL), with a lot of these unfortunately ending up in landfill.
The volume of panels that are yet to reach EOL, represents an opportunity for Australia to transition solar energy into a circular economy.
Readying and supporting industry for this circular transition is the core focus of CPVA.
This is also particularly relevant in the context of Australia’s net zero targets, which could see the number of PV panels installed in Australia reach over a one or even two billion.
By 2032-33, grid scale batteries in operation will amount to over 5,000 MW or more than 83,000 tonnes.
While batteries have long life spans, repairs and maintenance requirements will see some batteries come to recyclers before that date.
CPVA Co-Founder Megan Jones said: “The number of solar energy and battery storage projects is continuing to grow.
“Solar projects in Australia are getting bigger, with utility scale solar farms now the main driver of the industry.
“Enabling a circular economy for solar energy is increasingly as much a conversation about what to do with PV panels as it is about batteries,” said Jones.
Decommissioned panels are still entering landfill today despite growing industry and community concern around this wasteful practice.
Some e-waste recycling facilities accept PV panels and a handful of PV recycling facilities are establishing around Australia.
Batteries must be disposed of safely and quickly to minimise fire risks.
Some states and territories ban them from landfill. Storing them for long periods at end-of-life is not an option as this is highly risky.
The benefits from are circular economy are substantial — recovery of critical minerals for use locally and export, development of Australian battery recycling technology for export and low emissions raw materials for new products.
ABRI Chief Executive Officer Katherine Hole said: “This is critical in light of the Australian Government’s commitment to expedite installation of renewable energy.”
“Its clear more work needs to be done to manage the increasing number of large-scale scale PV and batteries — otherwise we will be left to manage another significant environmental issue.
“We face similar challenges, so the partnership will assist our members progress the work that needs to be done, including advocating, where appropriate, a joint position to government,” said Hole.
