Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has made significant progress in its Silver Extraction PV Recycling (SEPR) project by developing a microwave-based delamination process that preserves valuable solar panel materials and reduces energy use. The company is also advancing its lithium refinery plans in North America.
- Microwave delamination improves solar panel recycling efficiency
- Uniform heating preserves silicon cells and silver contacts
- Combines Macquarie University MJHT with proprietary JESE silver recovery
- Scalable microwave distributor system validated by COMSOL modelling
- Lithium refinery projects in Québec and Texas to address supply gap
Microwave Technology Targets Solar Panel Recycling Bottleneck
Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) is tackling one of the solar industry's looming waste challenges with a novel microwave delamination process that promises cleaner, more efficient recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The company’s Silver Extraction PV Recycling (SEPR) project focuses on selectively heating the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant that binds solar panel layers, enabling separation without the damage and waste typical of conventional mechanical or chemical methods.
By combining Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT), developed at Macquarie University, with its Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) system, Lithium Universe aims to recover silver and other valuable materials with minimal energy input and environmental impact. The latest testwork has centred on refining microwave energy distribution to achieve uniform heating across panels, avoiding hotspots that can degrade precious silicon cells and silver contacts.
Uniform Heating Ensures Material Integrity and Efficiency
Central to the breakthrough is a scalable microwave distributor system engineered to deliver consistent electric field intensity within the oven cavity. Using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, the company optimised the distributor geometry to eliminate localized overheating; a common pitfall in microwave processing. This uniformity is critical for effectively softening the EVA encapsulant while preserving the structural integrity of solar cells and silver-bearing conductors, which represent the primary sources of value in recycled panels.
Temperature profiling during testwork revealed optimal heating conditions that maximise delamination efficiency while minimising energy consumption and processing time. The approach contrasts starkly with traditional recycling methods that rely on crushing, high-temperature furnaces, or harsh chemicals, all of which tend to damage materials and generate significant waste.
Towards Commercial Pilot and Circular Economy Impact
CEO Iggy Tan emphasised the importance of understanding the delamination mechanism as a foundation for commercial viability: "By selectively weakening the EVA bonds and preserving the integrity of valuable components, we can create a highly efficient pathway for recovering silver and other critical materials." The company intends to leverage these findings to optimise process parameters and equipment design ahead of pilot-scale SEPR plant development.
This technology aligns with the global push for circularity in clean energy supply chains, addressing the projected surge in solar panel waste expected to reach up to 78 million tonnes by 2050. Silver’s critical role in photovoltaics and electronics, combined with soaring prices due to supply deficits, underscores the economic and environmental imperative for efficient recycling solutions.
Expanding Lithium Refinery Footprint in North America
Beyond recycling, Lithium Universe is advancing its lithium refining ambitions with two complementary projects: a green lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Québec, and a second refinery planned for the Port of Brownsville, Texas. The Texas site offers strategic advantages including deep-water access and proximity to gigafactories, supporting North American supply chain resilience amid rising lithium demand driven by electric vehicle growth.
Both refineries employ proven, scalable technology designs focused on producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, particularly for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This dual-refinery strategy aims to close the lithium conversion gap in North America, reducing dependency on foreign supply and positioning Lithium Universe as a key player in the continent’s clean energy transition.
Bottom Line?
Lithium Universe’s microwave delamination advances solar panel recycling toward scalable, low-impact recovery, while its lithium refinery projects signal growing North American supply chain ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Lithium Universe scale the SEPR technology to commercial pilot operations?
- What are the projected cost savings and recovery rates compared to conventional solar panel recycling methods?
- How will evolving lithium and silver market dynamics influence the timing and scale of Lithium Universe’s refinery projects?