Business
MARENA’s Green Tech Plan: Solar Panel, Battery Recycling
Addressing the challenges posed by renewable energy waste, the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to commission consulting firm Strategos Ltd to conduct a study.
The “Development of an Action Plan for the Recycling and Disposal of Used Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and EV Batteries in the Republic of Mauritius”
The goal is to develop an action plan for effective recycling and sustainable disposal of solar panels and electric vehicle batteries before they become a problem for the country.
On Thursday, April 25, Strategos Ltd CEO Fareed Jaunbocus presented the context of the two-month study.
After an analysis process involving interviews, document reviews, research, and international benchmarking, a series of recommendations and conclusions were presented at a consultative workshop organized by MARENA at the Oceans Creek Hotel in Balaclava.
During this dialogue process, discussions were held with a variety of partners including MARENA leaders, government officials, industry stakeholders, electric vehicle importers associations, and academics, among others.
“Our objective is to validate the recommendations we have put forward,” said Fareed Jaunbocus.
He highlighted that the next step is to make adjustments to the existing regulatory framework to develop an effective action plan for end-of-life PV and EV treatment.
MARENA CEO Danen Beemadoo stressed the need for a legal and technical framework to handle these waste materials.
The impending decommissioning of a significant number of PV systems requires a comprehensive strategy to responsibly manage end-of-life components.
MARENA, under the purview of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, commissioned this study as an initiative to develop a legal and regulatory framework.
This proactive measure aligns with the government’s commitment to achieve 60% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, ensuring a sustainable transition towards a circular economy in Mauritius’ renewable energy sector.
Source: Defi Media