Solar power plant waste rising: India to generate 600 Kilo tons by 2030

India’s rapid expansion in solar power capacity has been a significant step towards sustainable energy, but it has also led to an emerging challenge: managing solar waste. A recent study reveals that by the financial year 2023, India has installed solar power plants with a capacity of 66.7 gigawatts (GW), generating approximately 100 kilotonnes (KT) of waste. This figure is projected to soar to 340 KT by 2030, enough to fill 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The joint study by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) highlights that nearly two-thirds of this waste will originate from five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. By 2030, the waste is expected to contain significant amounts of valuable minerals, including 10 KT of silicon and substantial quantities of silver, cadmium, and tellurium.

What is solar energy waste?

Solar energy waste encompasses discarded modules and manufacturing scrap. Modules become waste when they reach the end of their lifespan or if damaged during transportation, handling, or installation. The Electronic Waste Management Rules 2022 mandate proper treatment of solar waste to prevent environmental contamination and recover valuable minerals.

Recycling solar waste could bolster India’s mineral security and reduce reliance on imports. The study estimates that new solar capacities will contribute an additional 260 KT of waste from 2024 to 2030. By 2050, waste is expected to reach 19,000 KT, with new capacities accounting for 77% of this. This presents an opportunity for India to become a leader in the solar industry’s circular economy and ensure a resilient supply chain.

To achieve 292 GW of solar capacity by 2030, effective waste management becomes crucial for environmental, economic, and social sustainability. India has already taken steps to address this issue, with the Environment Ministry amending e-waste management rules in 2022 to include solar photovoltaic cells, panels, and modules.

Solar waste to increase significantly

The study found that the remaining 260 kilotonnes of waste will come from new capacity that will be used this decade, from 2024 to 2030.

The study predicts that solar energy waste will increase to approximately 19,000 kilotons by 2050. It said that new capacities will generate 77 per cent of this, creating an opportunity for India to emerge as a leading hub for the solar industry within a circular economy, and ensuring a resilient solar supply chain.

India plans to achieve approximately 292 GW of solar capacity by 2030, making solar PV waste management important for environmental, economic and social reasons.

The study states this information is important for formulating data-based waste management policies. India is currently putting several measures into action to address waste. The Environment Ministry issued the amended e-waste management rules 2022 last year, including solar photovoltaic cells, panels, and modules.

These regulations oblige producers of solar cells and modules to manage their waste under the Enhanced Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Recommendations to deal with solar waste

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) should maintain and update a database of installed solar capacity, which contains details like module technical, manufacturer, commissioning date etc., for accurate mapping of waste generation centres.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should issue solar waste collection and storage guidelines. In addition, they should also promote the safe and efficient processing of accumulated waste.

Solar cell and module producers should start developing waste collection and storage centres to comply with the responsibilities assigned in the E-waste Management Rules 2022.

The study claims to provide strong evidence of opportunity in solar waste management. However, policy incentives and support still need to bolster solar recycling technologies and industries, as they are still in their early stages.

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