As renewable energy installations multiply across the globe, the first generation of solar panels, wind turbine blades, and lithium ion batteries is reaching the end of its lifespan and coming offline. With a tidal wave of waste potentially slamming landfills worldwide — is it true that these technologies are un-recyclable? Or that these green initiatives are maybe worse for the environment? Or could emerging recycling and upcycling technologies redirect this flood of waste into a new generation of photovoltaics, wind turbines, and battery banks designed to be continuously recycled and regenerated? Just how close are we to “closing the loop”?
This just reminded me of how I saw the first consumer sodium battery on sale the other day
https://www.channelnews.com.au/elecom-unveils-worlds-first-sodium-ion-mobile-power-bank/