Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Selected for CSIRO Solar Recycling Research Program

Lithium Universe has been selected for a proposed four-year research collaboration with Macquarie University and Australia’s CSIRO to develop a potentially cleaner method of recycling end-of-life solar panels.

The project will investigate microwave-assisted separation of silicon photovoltaic modules, with the aim of recovering glass, silicon, silver and other metals without crushing the panels or contaminating individual material layers.

The selection follows a joint expression of interest from Lithium Universe and Macquarie University under the CSIRO Industry PhD Program. The project remains subject to the parties negotiating and executing a definitive Collaboration Agreement.

Microwave Process Targets Cleaner Recovery

The research will focus on selectively heating the encapsulant that binds the layers of a solar module together.

The objective is to separate those layers intact, potentially improving the purity of recovered materials compared with processes that rely on mechanical crushing.

Researchers will assess microwave-system design, operating parameters, differences between panel types and the quality of recovered materials. The work will also examine lifecycle impacts and the requirements for scaling the process beyond laboratory conditions.

Performance will be assessed against recovery yields, material purity, energy efficiency and commercial viability.

The research supports Lithium Universe’s broader Silver Extraction PV Recycling Project.

Macquarie University will provide academic supervision, while CSIRO will contribute scientific oversight, materials testing, characterisation and scale-up expertise. Lithium Universe will provide commercial input, pilot testing and industry experience.

A PhD candidate is expected to undertake the research over approximately four years.

CSIRO to Provide Majority of Scholarship Funding

For a student commencing in 2027, the scholarship is expected to total about A$207,143 over four years.

CSIRO would contribute A$155,433, while Lithium Universe would provide an industry top-up of A$51,710.

The program also provides approximately A$56,019 for project expenses and professional development, while Macquarie University has committed an additional A$6,000 towards project costs.

The PhD candidate will be required to spend at least 60 days working with Lithium Universe.

Planned industry work includes pilot testing, feedstock assessment, lifecycle analysis, techno-economic modelling and the design and costing of larger-scale trials.

Intellectual property, confidentiality and any commercialisation arrangements will be determined under the definitive Collaboration Agreement.

Final Agreement Still Required

CSIRO is expected to provide a draft Collaboration Agreement for review before the end of October 2026.

Lithium Universe said negotiation, execution and completion of the grant process could take about 10 to 12 weeks after the draft agreement is issued.

The earliest project commencement is expected to be about six months after the expression-of-interest round closes.

Timing will also depend on execution of the agreement, recruitment of a suitable PhD candidate, background checks and university enrolment.

Solar Waste Stream Offers Silver Opportunity

Lithium Universe is targeting a growing waste stream as increasing numbers of older solar panels reach the end of their operating lives.

Australia currently generates about 3 million end-of-life solar panels annually, equivalent to roughly 60,000 tonnes of material, according to sources cited by the company.

Annual photovoltaic waste is forecast to rise to about 91,000 tonnes by 2030.

Lithium Universe said a typical panel contains approximately 20 grams of silver. On that basis, Australia’s current annual end-of-life panel stream could contain about 60 tonnes of silver.

The research program is intended to determine whether that and other valuable materials can be recovered at sufficient purity and efficiency to support a commercially viable recycling process.