E Parisaraa
Dr.Krishnarjun is the director of E-Parisaraa, India’s first government-approved electronic waste recycling company. The company has developed indigenous technology for extracting precious metals from printed circuit boards in an eco-friendly way and those efforts were lauded by Prime Minister NarendraModi during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on 29th January 2023. After the sudden demise of E- Parisaraa’s founder Managing Director, Dr. P Parthasarathy, his son, a Radiologist, Dr.Krishnarjun has taken up the torch.
Dr.Keshav A. Bulbule is a consultant at E-Parisaraa. He holds a Master’s degree from Karnatak University Dharwad and earned his PhD from Kuvempu University Shimoga, with a thesis on e-waste recycling. Beyond his technical achievements, Dr.Bulbule has made substantial contributions to science education and communication. He is a published author and an award-winning teacher, recognized for his innovative approaches to science teaching.
Here are a few excerpts of their conversation with NareshNunna of NSH:
Dr.Krishnarjun, with rising concerns about e-waste and its management, how significant are lithium-ion batteries in India’s energy future?
Dr.Krishnarjun: Lithium-ion batteries are crucial, particularly as India aims to decarbonize the electricity and transport sectors, which notably contribute to nearly half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The anticipated market dominance of lithium-ion batteries is expected to aid in meeting our ambitious national targets set at COP 26, including reaching a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.
Dr.Keshav A. Bulbule, could you elaborate on the challenges and opportunities in the lithium-ion battery industry in India?
Dr.Keshav: Certainly. While the lithium-ion battery market in India is expected to grow significantly, from 2.9 GWh in 2018 to about 132 GWh by 2030, this growth presents both opportunities and challenges. A critical factor will be the localizing of mining and refining for essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are pivotal for the battery supply chain. The discovery of lithium reserves within the country positions us to reduce dependencies and bolster supply chain resilience.
What steps is E-Parisaraa taking to address the challenges in recycling lithium-ion batteries?
Dr.Krishnarjun: At E-Parisaraa, we’ve developed a ‘Mechano-Chemical’ process for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries. This innovative method allows us to recover critical metals and non-metals from batteries through what we refer to as ‘Urban Mining’ or ‘Green Metallurgy’. It’s a pioneering technology in India that aims to make battery recycling more sustainable and economically viable.
With the global push towards sustainable practices, how does E-Parisaraa contribute to the circular economy?
Dr.Keshav: E-Parisaraa is heavily involved in the research and development of sustainable recycling processes. Our approach not only focuses on recycling but also emphasizes the importance of refurbishing and responsibly managing battery waste as mandated by the 2022 Battery Waste Management Rules. This helps in promoting new business opportunities and achieving higher material recovery rates from spent batteries.
Looking ahead, what are the key strategies for India to become a leader in the global battery manufacturing and recycling sectors?
Dr.Krishnarjun: To position India at the forefront, it’s essential to focus on R&D and process optimization. We need to ensure that the supply of minerals and the manufacturing of battery components can meet the growing demand without excessive reliance on imports. Additionally, a focused effort on enhancing the recycling capacities and technologies will be crucial for maintaining sustainability in the battery lifecycle.
Finally, what message would you like to convey to stakeholders and policymakers regarding the future of battery technology and recycling in India?
Dr.Keshav: The key message is the importance of integrated efforts involving policy reinforcement, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. Strengthening India’s foreign policy to prioritize strategic mineral resources, and fostering a robust domestic production landscape will be essential. Moreover, everyone from policymakers to consumers must recognize the critical role of recycling and sustainability in shaping a greener future.
