SOLAR PANEL RECYCLING:
Microwave Joule Heating Technology
Highlights
- Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has acquired global rights for the cutting edge photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology
- “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (MJHT) has been developed by Macquarie University
- It utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells
- Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide and most end up in land fill as valuable waste
- 60-78 million tonnes of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules cumulated by 2050
- MJHT and Delamination enables selective separation of materials – with higher recoveries of critical minerals like silver, silicon, gallium and indium
WATCH: Executive Chairman Iggy Tan discusses the acquisition of Microwave Joule Heating Technology (4min)
The 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 Scale of the Problem
A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme1 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.
