India’s Solar Boom: Forecasted Waste Generation Raises Circular Economy Concerns

India’s ambitious push towards renewable energy, particularly solar power, is poised to yield substantial benefits in terms of clean energy generation.

However, a recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) sheds light on a looming challenge associated with this transition: the significant amount of waste generated by solar projects. According to the CEEW report, India is expected to generate approximately 600 kilotonnes (KT) of solar photovoltaic (PV) waste by 2030, a stark increase from the 99 KT generated until FY23. Most of this waste is projected to emanate from key solar states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, raising concerns about waste management and environmental impact. The study highlights that by the end of the decade, the cumulative waste from existing and new solar capacities would be substantial enough to fill 720 Olympic-size swimming pools. Moreover, it outlines the composition of this waste, including critical minerals like silicon, silver, cadmium, and tellurium, which are vital for India’s industrial landscape.

While Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka are anticipated to be the primary contributors to this waste stream, the report emphasises the need for proactive measures to address the burgeoning waste crisis. It suggests leveraging this challenge as an opportunity to establish India as a leader in the circular economy for the solar industry, advocating for resilient supply chains and efficient waste management practices. Looking ahead, the study projects a significant increase in PV waste by 2040 and 2050, necessitating comprehensive strategies for recycling and resource recovery. It calls for collaborative efforts from government bodies, industry stakeholders, and academia to establish robust recycling infrastructure and technology innovation in solar module recycling.

In response to these findings, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is urged to develop a comprehensive database of installed solar capacity and facilitate the establishment of collection and recycling facilities. Moreover, industry players are encouraged to invest in recycling infrastructure and explore partnerships with third-party vendors to streamline recycling operations. As India marches towards its renewable energy targets, addressing the challenge of solar waste management emerges as a critical imperative to ensure the sustainability and longevity of its clean energy transition.