Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AZ Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-24 16:32:55
Burkina: Dr. Ouiminga proposes recycling of worn photovoltaic modules into kitchen utensils and construction materials
Ouagadougou, March 23, 2024 (Africa Links 24) – Doctoral candidate Abdoul Aziz Ouiminga defended his thesis in Applied Sciences on Saturday at Joseph Ki Zerbo University, proposing innovative solutions for recycling worn photovoltaic modules into kitchen utensils and construction materials to address environmental issues related to the disposal of solar module waste at the end of their lifespan in nature. The jury considered his work innovative, timely, and awarded him the title of Doctor from Joseph Ki Zerbo University with highest honors.
“We have successfully experimented with melting aluminum from worn photovoltaic modules, which has allowed us to manufacture kitchen utensils much to the delight of households in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, we have used glass in concrete matrix in powder form as a partial replacement for cement,” stated Dr. Abdoul Aziz Ouiminga.
According to Dr. Ouiminga, the results of his studies could be used to establish large factories for the use of glass as a partial replacement for cement in construction.
“This could help reduce the price of cement or the amount used in the construction industry,” he rejoiced.
He pointed out that from 2010 to 2018, Burkina Faso imported over 83 thousand tons of photovoltaic panels.
He emphasized that the management of waste from photovoltaic solar systems is a priority issue mainly for cities that consume large quantities of photovoltaic solar equipment, as they do not have an organized system for managing solar waste.
End-of-life photovoltaic modules are hazardous waste categorized as waste electrical and electronic equipment. They contain substances harmful to the environment, materials that are hardly biodegradable, but also valuable materials.
“Therefore, this thesis contributes to formulating strategies at the Burkina Faso level through technical solutions for the valorization of photovoltaic module waste,” he explained.
For the jury president, Professor Joseph Dieudonné Bathiebo, the candidate’s work focuses on sustainable development.
According to Prof. Bathiebo, Dr. Ouiminga’s thesis is not theoretical. “It proposes concrete solutions to address our development needs,” he continued.
He found the subject “innovative and very interesting” because it involves not only recovery but also aligns with sustainable development goals.
“Although we have achieved significant results, there is room for further work in terms of future prospects,” confided the thesis advisor, Prof. Kam Sié.
Prof. Sié believes that the results of these studies can be submitted to municipalities to help them make informed decisions on the treatment of photovoltaic waste to clean up the environment.
The doctoral thesis of candidate Abdoul Aziz Ouiminga is titled: “Valuation of waste from solar equipment in Burkina: recycling of components from worn photovoltaic modules.”
The jury assessed his work as innovative and awarded him the title of Doctor from Joseph Ki Zerbo University with highest honors.
Burkina Information Agency
DNK/ata
Read the original article(French) on Agence d’Information du Burkina
