Lithium Universe Ltd Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

According to multiple sources, including Lithium Universe Ltd’s official announcement and reporting by industry outlets, the Australian-based Lithium Universe Limited has entered into a binding agreement to acquire exclusive global rights to a patented solar panel recycling technology developed at Macquarie University.

The technology, known as Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT), represents a significant advancement in the sustainable management of photovoltaic (PV) waste. Under the agreement, Lithium Universe will acquire 100% of New Age Minerals Pty Ltd, an Australian holding company that holds the licensing rights from Macquarie University.

A Novel Approach to PV Waste Recycling

According to Macquarie University’s technology portfolio, MJHT uses microwave energy to selectively heat silicon in solar panels, softening the encapsulating ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) without resorting to toxic chemicals or extreme furnace temperatures that often exceed 1400°C. This enables clean and efficient delamination—a process that facilitates the separation and recovery of high-value materials such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium.

Traditional recycling methods often rely on high-energy crushing, which tends to mix materials and lowers recovery rates. In contrast, MJHT allows for selective recovery in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.

Addressing a Global Waste Crisis

A report by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme forecasts that global PV waste could reach 1.7 to 8.0 million tonnes by 2030, soaring to 60 to 78 million tonnes by 2050. In Australia alone, it is projected that over 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste—valued at more than A$1 billion—will accumulate by 2035.

Currently, only about 15% of decommissioned solar panels are recycled globally, with the majority ending up in landfills due to the challenges of existing recycling methods.

Strategic Investment and Future Development

Lithium Universe has also announced it has received binding commitments to raise $1.7 million through a private placement to both existing and new sophisticated and professional investors. The capital will support the integration of MJHT and the exploration of further technological advancements, particularly focused on increasing the recovery rates of critical elements.

According to the company’s statement, further research and development initiatives are planned to optimize material separation processes and scale the technology for industrial use.

This acquisition positions Lithium Universe as a front-runner in the global push toward cleaner, more efficient recycling of renewable energy materials—a sector gaining increased urgency amid the rapid expansion of solar infrastructure worldwide.

Source: Lithium Universe