CEEW and MNRE's Report Urges Action on Solar Waste Management in India
With a projected requirement of approximately 292 GW of solar capacity by 2030, concerns over the mounting volume of solar photovoltaic (PV) waste have escalated.
March 20, 2024. By Abha Rustagi
With a projected requirement of approximately 292 GW of solar capacity by 2030, concerns over the mounting volume of solar photovoltaic (PV) waste have escalated. The report underlines the criticality of responsible solar PV waste management for environmental, economic, and social reasons.
The discarded modules contain minerals such as silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium, classified as critical minerals for India by the Ministry of Mines, emphasizing the significance of recycling to reduce import dependency and enhance mineral security.
Recent amendments by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to include solar cells and modules in the ambit of the Electronic Waste (Management) Rules highlight the growing recognition of the need for effective waste management. Additionally, the MNRE's identification of solar PV recycling as a priority thrust area signifies a proactive approach towards addressing this issue.
The report fills a crucial information gap by providing granular estimates of solar waste specific to India, facilitating informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Key findings reveal that India's installed capacity of 66.7 GW has already generated approximately 100 kilotonnes (kt) of waste, a figure projected to soar to 340 kt by 2030. Notably, around 67 percent of this waste is anticipated to originate from five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Looking ahead, the cumulative waste from existing and new capacity is expected to surge to about 600 kt by 2030 and a staggering 19,000 kt by 2050, with the majority stemming from new capacities.
In light of these findings, the report offers several recommendations like the MNRE should establish and regularly update a comprehensive database of installed solar capacity to accurately map waste generation centers. It also suggests that the MoEFCC should issue guidelines for the collection, storage, and processing of solar waste to ensure safe and efficient management. Additionally, Solar cell and module producers are urged to develop waste collection and storage centers in compliance with the E-waste Management Rules 2022.
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