As Nigeria strives to transition towards solar energy, stakeholders are advocating the implementation of battery recycling policies and safety standards to manage the environmental and safety impacts associated with this shift.
These efforts come amid increasing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The uptake of solar power has led to an increased demand for batteries to store energy. However, the disposal of these batteries presents environmental hazards due to their toxic components. Establishing a battery recycling policy is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure that batteries are properly managed at the end of their lifecycle.
Speaking with The Guardian, Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, advocated a national battery recycling policy in Nigeria, citing the proliferation of batteries due to increased adoption of renewable energy, especially in solar applications. He mentioned the need to manage dangerous substances like lead, commonly used in most batteries.
He emphasised that inadequate technology has led to improper recycling practices, such as manual recycling that disregards the proper handling of chemicals. This results in leaks into soils and water sources, as well as the release of harmful chemicals through open-air burning. Implementing a proper handling policy would guide the recycling of batteries and encourage necessary investment in the sector.
Regarding the affordability of solar panels and the government’s role, Adegbemle revealed that his organisation had previously pushed for the removal of import duties and the implementation of a five per cent VAT, which was gazetted by the Federal Government. However, he noted that it is up to businesses to take advantage of these policies.
“I would expect the Federal Government and even states to see policies that will encourage local manufacturing of solar components so we can reduce dependency on foreign exchange. We will also be able to create jobs for the teeming youths. I am aware NASENI is doing something, but we need something that can scale nationally and make business sense,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Revocube Energies, Olarewaju Ogunkunle, urged policymakers to prioritise battery recycling and safety standards.
He emphasised that while solar panels are the most affordable components in a solar system, high-quality batteries are the most expensive. He cautioned against using regular batteries for heavy-duty appliances like compressors, as these can fail due to high current demands, potentially leading to disintegration. He recommended exploring heavy-duty batteries designed for electric vehicles and businesses.
Ogunkunle also highlighted the importance of proper safety measures and regulations, particularly with Nigeria’s increased domestic production of solar panels in Zamfara State. He stressed the need for clear guidelines to ensure safety, as current practices can be hazardous.
With the growing use of lithium batteries, Ogunkunle raised concerns about their end-of-life disposal after a 10–15-year lifespan. He proposed government policies to address battery recycling and establish safety standards, especially as Nigeria prioritizes domestic solar panel production over imports. Ogunkunle emphasised the importance of focusing on local Nigerian production.
He mentioned that financing solar energy adoption remains a hurdle in Nigeria despite strong interest in the technology. He emphasised energy conservation as a top priority, pointing out that systems are designed to generate nearly double the capacity needed during periods of low sunlight or rain.
“Conservation has been our number one priority to save energy, almost double the capacity needed to cover up for when there is a downpour of rain. I believe that the government should put in place policies to support this as we move into the next phase, leaving importation behind and producing locally in Nigeria,” Ogunkunle said.
