Addressing the dangers of lead pollution from solar power batteries in Africa

Addressing the dangers of lead pollution from solar power batteries in Africa

by Sophie Jenkins

London, UK (SPX) Apr 19, 2024

A study conducted by The University of Manchester highlights significant health and environmental risks from the informal recycling of lead-acid batteries used in off-grid solar systems in Malawi. These batteries are essential for providing electricity in regions without traditional power grids, a crucial step towards broader electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa.

Researchers noted that a typical battery recycling process releases between 3.5 and 4.7 kg of lead, vastly exceeding safe levels by over 100 times the lethal dose for adults. Dr. Christopher Kinally, who led the study during his PhD, emphasized the dire need for structured waste management to mitigate these risks. According to him, “The expansion of solar power access is vital for sustainable development, but it must be paired with effective waste management strategies to avoid grave public health impacts.”

The private sector’s role in providing off-grid solar solutions is growing, with projections indicating potential electricity access for hundreds of millions by 2030. However, the absence of formal recycling practices in places like Malawi has resulted in dangerous lead exposure. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, poses severe risks, especially to children whose brain development can be permanently damaged even at low exposure levels.

The study also revealed alarming practices in local communities where technicians, lacking proper training in hazardous waste management, handle and recycle these batteries in open markets. Often, they use rudimentary tools to break open batteries and extract lead, significantly contaminating the environment.

Dr. Alejandro Gallego Schmid, Kinally’s supervisor, stated, “It’s crucial to address the lifecycle of batteries used in solar systems, from production to disposal, to maintain the sustainability credentials of solar energy.”

The findings, published in Applied Energy, are part of a broader investigation into the impacts of unregulated recycling practices in developing economies, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive research into their health implications and calling for immediate regulatory reforms.

Research Report:Life cycle assessment of solar home system informal waste management practices in Malawi