Technology Licensing Opportunity: Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellerium and Cadmium from CdTE Photovoltaics
Open Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- BA-1601
- Agency
-
Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 562920 Materials Recovery Facilities
- PSC
- F999 Other Environmental Services
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Energy issued a technology licensing notice for electrochemical recycling technology enabling sustainable recovery of tellurium and cadmium from cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells, with a response deadline of November 8, 2026.
The technology generates oxidants in situ from oxygen or air using electrochemical methods, eliminating reliance on externally supplied hydrogen peroxide in acid leaching. This approach reduces chemical consumption, lowers the carbon footprint of solar module recycling operations, and produces tellurium metal and cadmium suitable for reuse in photovoltaic manufacturing. The process supports integration with renewable or nuclear power, further lowering lifecycle emissions.
The technology addresses the high environmental footprint and logistical burden of current cadmium telluride recycling methods, which depend on bulk hydrogen peroxide production, transportation, and storage. Direct recovery of tellurium and cadmium enables reintegration into module production, supporting circular economy objectives. Market applications include commercial operations such as First Solar's module recovery and broader hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements.
The notice targets materials recovery facilities (NAICS 562920) and does not employ a set-aside category.
Notice text
Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellurium and Cadmium from CdTe Photovoltaics
In-situ oxidant generation reduces chemical use and environmental impact in solar module recycling
Technology Summary
This technology enables electrochemical extraction and recovery of tellurium (Te) and cadmium (Cd) from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. Unlike current recycling methods that rely on externally supplied hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in acid leaching, this process generates oxidants in situ from oxygen or air using electrochemical methods. The approach decreases reliance on bulk chemicals and significantly lowers the carbon footprint of recycling operations, while still producing Te metal and Cd suitable for reuse in photovoltaic manufacturing.
Problem Addressed
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High environmental footprint of current CdTe PV recycling due to reliance on H₂O₂ production and use.
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Supply chain and logistics burden from transporting and storing bulk chemicals.
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Growing need for sustainable recycling as CdTe photovoltaics expand in deployment.
Solution
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Electrochemical in-situ generation of oxidants eliminates external H₂O₂ sourcing.
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Direct recovery of Te metal and Cd for reintegration into module production.
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Electricity-driven process supports integration with renewable or nuclear power, lowering lifecycle emissions.
Key Advantages
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Reduced environmental impact: Avoids carbon-intensive bulk chemical manufacturing.
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Lower logistical burden: Minimizes transportation and storage of hazardous oxidants.
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Clean energy compatible: Process can run on renewable or low-carbon electricity.
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Next-generation mining model: Enables sustainable materials recovery aligned with circular economy goals.
Market Applications
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CdTe photovoltaic recycling: Direct application to commercial operations, such as First Solar’s module recovery.
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Sustainable metals recovery: Broader potential for hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements.
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Circular economy strategies: Supports renewable energy companies seeking closed-loop manufacturing.
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