SOLAR PANEL RECYCLING:
Microwave Joule Heating Technology
Highlights
- Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has acquired global rights for the cutting-edge Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the complementary Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) Technology to create a full Solar Panel (PV) recycling solution
- MJHT and JESE enable selective separation of valuable materials in solar panels – with higher recoveries of critical minerals like silver, silicon, gallium and indium
- Both of these technologies have been developed by Macquarie University
- MJHT utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells
- JESE uses a electrochemical low-voltage jet to selectively extract silver from end-of-life solar panels
- Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide and most end up in landfills as valuable waste
- By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste – worth over A$1 billion
WATCH: Watch Iggy Tan and the Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Team get a first glimpse of the cutting-edge Silver Extraction Technology being developed by the Macquarie University Team. This breakthrough complements LU7’s previously licensed Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT).
The Scale of the Solar Panel Problem
A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme projected that global waste PV modules will amount to 1.7–8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60–78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste worth over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is projected to grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.
Currently, only 15% of used PV cells are recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills. This low recycling rate is due to complex processes, high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery yields. The Technology, developed by MQU, enhances the extraction of valuable metals such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium from discarded PV panels using microwave and delaminating techniques. The breakthrough technology offers a promising new approach for enhanced recovery of valuable metals like Silver, Silicon, Gallium, and Indium. The Company plans to initiate further research and development in this area.
MJHT Technology
The basis of the technology platform utilises microwave technology to selectively heat silicon thereby softening the EVA encapsulant in solar panels, enabling easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable materials at room temperature. This approach avoids the need for extreme heat (1400°C) typically required for separating materials like glass and silicon as well as the use of costly hazardous chemicals in traditional processes. Delamination enables selective separation of materials without the need for mechanical crushing, whereas traditional crushing methods often result in cross-contaminated material and lower recovery rates.
“Now that we have completed our lithium refinery DFS and secured all necessary components— including land and partnerships—we are positioned and ready for a lithium price recovery. We are confident in our counter-cyclical strategy and firmly believe that LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds. While awaiting this recovery, we have been presented with an exciting opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge photovoltaic recycling technology.
I am thrilled about the acquisition of Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the opportunity to potentially extract critical metals such as silver from solar panel recycling. The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater, with only 15% of panels currently being recycled. The mass accumulation of solar panel waste in landfills is a growing problem, as valuable critical metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are left behind, contributing to both resource depletion and environmental harm. Microwave technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes.
We firmly believethat this technology represents the future of solar panel waste management. We are eager to collaborate with the Macquarie team to develop a more efficient and cost-effective recycling process”
- Iggy Tan
Lithium Universe Chairman
The Silver Opportunity - JESE Technology
As part of its collaboration with Macquarie University Team, Lithium Universe has also acquired the rights to Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) Technology.
Recycling and extracting silver from solar panels presents a lucrative business opportunity for LU7 due to the substantial amount of silver in each panel—approximately 20 grams, equating to around A$36 in value. With the growing volume of solar panel waste, this offers a readily available cheap feedstock for recycling. As the demand for silver increases, especially in industries like electronics and renewable energy, recovering silver from end-of-life panels can become a valuable and sustainable revenue stream. The Company believes that the MQU technology provides a more efficient recycling technology, positioning it to capitalise on this growing market while addressing environmental challenges.
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