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Researchers from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul have published an article in which they review international experiences and the panorama of photovoltaic module recycling in the country. They conclude that the National Solid Waste Policy is ineffective in mobilizing the parties involved. It is estimated that Brazil will generate between 2,500 and 8,500 tons of photovoltaic waste by 2030. As solar PV production intensifies globally, the production of PV waste is also set to increase exponentially. Addressing this flow requires proactive action from governments around the world, as there are several challenges involved in implementing an effective PV waste management model. The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), created in 2010 in Brazil, is ineffective in properly managing photovoltaic waste, say researchers, making a specific regulatory model necessary, which should clearly address the elements involving incentives, inspection, the responsibility of each actor in the management process, guidelines to guide the parties involved, sanctions, registration of information and a monitoring plan for installed photovoltaic systems, among others. “The lack of specific regulations is the main challenge for governments,” Vanessa Souza, one of the authors of the study, told pv magazine . This is because a specific regulatory base often involves guidelines to address other challenges such as infrastructure and installation, economic unfeasibility of the recycling process, lack of appropriate technologies to cope with the multiple designs of existing equipment, consumer behaviour issues and the absence of a database that provides accurate information on the amount of waste generated. “It is crucial that the country promotes this discussion and develops this legal framework as soon as possible, because the management of this waste, if done correctly, will contribute positively to the sustainability of the country in its three dimensions (Environmental, Economic and Social). However, in the absence of an adequate management model, waste will begin to accumulate and could become a serious public order problem for the country,” the authors warn. The article “ Challenges and strategies for managing end-of-life photovoltaic equipment in Brazil: Learning from international experience ” was published in May in the journal Energy Policy . In the absence of specific regulations, it is common to resort to general regulations. In an attempt to establish the responsibilities of the parties involved (manufacturers, importers, distributors and traders), Brazil has imposed the adoption of the reverse logistics (RL) model, in accordance with the guidelines contained in the PNRSe of its regulatory decrees. However, as it is a general regulation, it has not managed to adequately promote the management of photovoltaic equipment at the end of its useful life. Given the lack of clear regulations specifying the roles of each agent involved in the process, what we have seen is a timid performance by the parties involved (manufacturers, sellers, consumers, etc.) with regard to their responsibilities in the correct management of photovoltaic waste. For this reason, inappropriate disposal practices are frequently observed worldwide, for example in common landfills. In European countries, manufacturers are physically and financially responsible for the management process of photovoltaic waste, in accordance with the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) established by the European Union. This has only been possible because the European Union has imposed specific guidelines for dealing with such waste (Directive 2012/19/EU) which include, among others, elements such as supervision, collection targets and penalties. Although first-generation systems installed in Brazil have not yet reached the end of their useful life, estimated between 25 and 30 years, this does not mean that the country is not disposing of photovoltaic equipment, since disposal can occur not only when the equipment reaches the end of its useful life, but also due to damage caused during transport, installation, or caused by fires and bad weather, thus generating early loss of the equipment. The authors of the article cite a study published by IRENA-IEA PVS (2016), which estimated that by 2030 Brazil should generate around 2,500 to 8,500 tons of photovoltaic waste, reaching 300,000 to 750,000 tons in 2050. Bill creates policy to encourage recycling of photovoltaic panels Bill 998/24 defines rules to encourage the reuse, recycling and environmentally sound disposal of photovoltaic panels. The proposal is currently being analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies. The text creates the Policy to Promote the Development of Reverse Logistics for Photovoltaic Panels, which provides funds, credit lines, certification systems and specific tax incentives for research, technological innovation and the implementation of processes. Presented by Deputy Benes Leocádio in March, the bill will be analyzed in the House by the committees on Mines and Energy; Urban Development; Environment and Sustainable Development; Finance and Taxation; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship. If approved, it will be analyzed by the Senate. 90% recyclable Studies show that when subjected to an effective recycling process, around 90% of devices can be recovered. Substances that can be recovered include aluminium, glass, cables, gold, silver and silicon, among others. Photovoltaic waste has the potential to be used in the manufacture of new products, such as paints and ceramic coatings. An important option to explore, especially in developing countries, is the possibility of giving these panels a “second life” by putting them into service. To do this, before the dismantling process, an evaluation test of the system should be carried out to determine whether it is in operational condition and can be repaired, reused or sent for recycling. In addition, new employment opportunities often arise. |
