By Dipo Olowookere
As part of its commitment to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a market leader in home solar systems in Nigeria, Lumos, has entered into a partnership with Hinckley Recycling for the recycling of its batteries.
Lumos, which makes reliable and clean power accessible to many consumers, including low-income earners, said it took this step because of its importance to a sustainable battery supply chain.
Batteries are vital for delivering clean, reliable energy access because they enable off-grid users to optimize the consumption of solar/wind energy; and support increased reliability of power for users of weak grids.
The partnership with Hinckley has made the solar energy company become the first in its sector to recycle in Nigeria.
Recall that Lumos was the first major company to introduce lithium-ion batteries as a standard in its solar home systems, providing users with a better energy storage solution.
Today, Africa’s battery demand is forecast to increase sevenfold, from 2GW in 2015 to 15GW by 2030. Full energy access would require double the 2030 figure.
However, current battery end-of-life management across Africa is not environmentally sustainable, with limited lithium-ion recycling or repurposing as Hinckley’s Nigerian facility is one of just two examples, across the entire continent, of local re-purposing.
In a statement, the renewable energy company explained that the deal will initially see waste Lumos batteries recycled at Hinckley’s facility in Ojota.
Hinckley works with international blue-chip companies such as HP, ExxonMobil, KPMG and Nestle, and its Ojota facility has an annual capacity for 20,000 tonnes of e-waste.
Lumos has been instrumental in assisting Hinckley’s expansion. In 2019, Lumos partnered with Taisen Company and Carnegie Mellon University Africa to support Hinckley’s participation in the inaugural Global LEAP Solar E-Waste Challenge which funds innovative approaches to e-waste management in the off-grid solar sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria is at the forefront of implementing solar energy on the African continent and the government’s commitment to invest in 5 million solar-home systems is an important development. As the Nigerian market leader, and whose core product is built on a positive impact socially and environmentally – Lumos also wants to lead by example.
“Energy is a core pillar of economic growth and will be a strong catalyst to sustainable economic recovery, post-COVID-19.
“Africa’s battery demand is growing hugely, as they are vital for the continent to achieve clean, reliable energy access. This requires a sustainable battery supply chain.
“It is extremely important, and we are proud to be the first company in our sector to take this major sustainability step,” the CEO of Lumos Group, Alistair Gordon, said.
Also commenting, the Managing Director of Hinckley Recycling, Mr Adrian Clews, stated that, “We are delighted by Lumos’ sector-leading commitment to sustainability, and we are honoured to partner with them. Lumos has been incredibly supportive of Hinckley and this partnership cements the relationship even further.”
