Environmental impacts of energy storage waste and regional legislation to curtail their effects – highlighting the status in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract The need for energy storage systems (ESS) is increasing with expanding demand for energy and with newly emerging renewable energy technologies. Following this growth in ESS, the environmental impacts of such technologies are crucial and must be carefully studied and evaluated. Multiple aspects to disposal and after-use treatment of different ESS can have adverse effects on the environment and the ecological systems. Scientists, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations are attempting to address issues of disposal of ESS waste as well as their environmental impact. This paper lists the types of ESS and the environmental impacts associated with each type; while also highlighting the disposal and recycling of batteries and the corresponding regulations governing their disposal in different regions. The European Union's Directive 2006/66/EC, the United States of America's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Australian's Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act are all statuets for ESS waste classification and management. The EU and the US have implemented and enforced those regulations while they are less so in Australia. Jordan, a country located in the Middle Eastern region and part of the Basel Convention, faces an ESS waste management problem where the Ministry of Environment claims to follow the EU rules and regulation, yet none are implemented or enforced. This is made worse by the decreasing number of batteries disposed of at specialized landfills where spent batteries are stored, which there is only one of its kind in Jordan. While recycling technology is known, social awareness is vital in encouraging the Jordanian population to properly dispose of ESS waste and to incentivise safe collection, treatment, and recycling.