Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) and RePV Tech collaborate on photovoltaic recycling evaluation
November 10, 2025Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwan-based photovoltaic recycling company RePV Tech.
The collaboration focuses on assessing whether RePV Tech’s silicon wafer recovery process can be effectively integrated with Lithium Universe’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction system, both of which are being developed at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Executive Chairman Iggy Tan discusses the purpose of the collaboration, the approach to technical testing, and how the initiative aligns with broader trends in solar panel resource recovery and sustainable materials management.
What is the purpose of the MOU with RePV Tech and what does each party contribute?
RePV Tech has developed a process for dismantling solar modules and separating glass from silicon wafers in a way that preserves the wafer structure.
Lithium Universe is advancing technologies that focus on panel delamination and silver extraction.
Under the MOU, RePV Tech will supply recycled silicon wafers, and these will be tested using Lithium Universe’s systems at Macquarie University to assess extraction efficiency and the condition of the wafers following processing.
“The aim is to jointly evaluate how effectively silver can be extracted from this material and whether the condition of the wafers remains suitable for further reuse or processing.”
The agreement also defines how intellectual property is managed, with each party retaining ownership of its existing technology and sharing any new findings developed through the collaboration.
What is the significance of targeting Britannia-grade silver recovery?
Silver is one of the highest-value recoverable materials in crystalline silicon solar panels, and recovering it efficiently is central to a viable recycling pathway. Britannia-grade silver refers to a purity level of 95.95 percent.
Previous laboratory testing of the Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction system demonstrated recovery at this purity under controlled conditions.
The next stage is to evaluate whether similar outcomes can be achieved using material supplied by RePV Tech.
“The collaboration with RePV Tech is intended to assess whether similar recovery and purity levels can be achieved using wafers sourced from their recycling operations.”
This phase is focused on confirming performance when working with real-world recycled wafers rather than laboratory-prepared samples.
How will the testing be conducted and where will it take place?
Testing will be conducted at Macquarie University, where research teams are currently advancing both delamination and silver extraction processes.
RePV Tech will provide batches of recycled wafers, and the trials will examine recovery yield, purity levels, reaction conditions, processing time, and the physical condition of the wafers after treatment.
Once testing is completed, the results will be reviewed jointly to determine whether further refinement or pilot-scale evaluation is warranted.
Is this agreement commercial in nature at this stage?
No, the agreement is not commercial at this stage. It is designed to support technical cooperation and data sharing during an evaluation period.
“The MOU is intended to support technical cooperation and information sharing for a period of twenty four months. There are no commercial supply obligations or financial commitments in place.”
Any consideration of commercial arrangements would only occur after both parties have reviewed the technical results and agreed there is a basis for progression.
How does this collaboration support circular economy objectives?
End-of-life solar panel volumes are expected to increase globally, creating a need for processes that recover rather than discard valuable materials.
RePV Tech’s wafer recovery method and Lithium Universe’s silver extraction process each assist in retaining material value within the lifecycle of a solar module.
“This means that more of the material value contained in each panel can be retained rather than discarded. It supports the principle of extending material life cycles and reducing resource waste.”
This collaboration provides a structured pathway for Lithium Universe and RePV Tech to jointly assess the performance of their respective technologies in a controlled research environment.
The outcomes of the testing at Macquarie University will determine whether the integrated process is suitable for further development, including potential scale-up discussions at a later stage.
The focus remains on technical validation and data-driven decision-making.
Iggy Tan emphasises that the company will continue to communicate progress as the evaluation program advances, stating that shareholder transparency and ongoing engagement remain priorities as Lithium Universe works to address emerging challenges in solar panel resource recovery.
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