Solar paraphernalia risks environmental degradation

As more and more people turn towards sustainable electricity, there is a lack of regulation on solar waste recycling

LAHORE:

The energy crisis and rising electricity prices in Pakistan have attracted citizens to alternative sources, the most prominent of which is solar energy. From installing solar panels on rooftops to large solar parks, the sector is growing rapidly. Critics, however, warn that torrential rains, floods and poor waste management as a result of climate change could turn the system into a new environmental crisis.

According to Dr Salman Tariq, an environmentalist and Assistant Professor at the University of Punjab, if solar panels are submerged in water, their silicon cells and frames become broken, while electrical connections become ineffective. “Batteries in particular can cause short circuits or fires. When lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are damaged, toxic chemicals get into the soil and groundwater, causing respiratory, skin, kidney and liver diseases,” claimed Dr Tariq.

According to the data, Pakistan imported millions of solar panels and batteries with thousands of megawatts capacity in the last financial year. Since the average lifespan of solar panels is 20 to 25 years and that of batteries is five to 10 years, the waste generated due to their decommissioning is likely to increase manifold in the coming years. Experts believe that if the management structure is not created now, the crisis could intensify like the current electronic waste (e-waste).

Pakistan is already under pressure from e-waste. According to a report published by the Global E-Waste Monitor, Pakistan generates about 400,000 tons of electronic waste every year, including mobile phones, computers and refrigerators. Punjab is the worst-hit province in this regard, where old goods end up in informal junk markets and are disposed of in unsafe ways. The use of acid and fire to extract metals in these markets is dangerous not only for the environment but also for the health of workers and children.

According to former geologist Dr Naeem Mustafa, one solution to this problem is urban mining, under which precious metals can be extracted from old equipment thrown in cities in modern and safe ways. “If this process is organized, the economy can benefit and the environment can be saved from harm,” informed Dr Mustafa.

Mian Abdul Khaliq, an importer of solar panels, revealed that Pakistan urgently needed a solar waste management policy and recycling structure, otherwise the alternative energy system will lose its environmental benefits. “Recycling centers will have to be set up to recover aluminum, copper and silicon from defunct panels and batteries, which should be given tax incentives so that investors come into the sector,” said Khaliq.

According to environmental lawyer Altamash Saeed, the waste, electrical and electronic equipment directive is strictly enforced in the European Union and there are clear recycling laws in Japan, but there is little regulation in this regard in Pakistan. “Internationally, the Basel Convention regulates transboundary transfers of hazardous wastes, but its implementation in Pakistan is weak,” said Saeed.

Dr Tariq stressed that the government should adopt the principle of extended responsibility for manufacturers to give responsibility to companies for the post-use phase of their products. “If this system is established, not only will the environment be protected but new employment opportunities will also be created. Otherwise, the dream of clean energy could turn into a new climate crisis,” warned Dr Tariq.

Ali Ijaz, Deputy Director of the Punjab Environment Protection Agency, revealed that there was currently no comprehensive policy for e-waste management in Pakistan, but work was underway, and an effective strategy will be introduced soon. “New safety standards have been set for solar installations so that the panels can withstand the effects of rain and strong winds,” said Ijaz.