Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Advancing a Circular Economy for Solar Photovoltaics Exported for Reuse: Analysing the Institutional Feasibility of International Extended Producer Responsibility for EU-West Africa Transboundary Movements

Cimadomo, Simone LU (2024) In IIIEE Master Thesis IMEM01 20241
The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and other electrical and electronic equipment exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa can contribute to a circular economy (CE) extending products’ use, but too often impact negatively on receiving countries. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes in the EU operate domestically and do not capture exports, thus EPR fees do not flow to receiving countries. “International EPR” policy proposals emerged recently, however aspects of governance and feasibility are underexplored. This thesis aims to assess the institutional feasibility of international EPR for solar PV exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa, focusing on Nigeria and Ghana. First, an ex-ante intervention theory framework is used,... (More)
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and other electrical and electronic equipment exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa can contribute to a circular economy (CE) extending products’ use, but too often impact negatively on receiving countries. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes in the EU operate domestically and do not capture exports, thus EPR fees do not flow to receiving countries. “International EPR” policy proposals emerged recently, however aspects of governance and feasibility are underexplored. This thesis aims to assess the institutional feasibility of international EPR for solar PV exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa, focusing on Nigeria and Ghana. First, an ex-ante intervention theory framework is used, and three expert interviews complemented by literature allow to outline intended impact mechanisms. The identified impact mechanisms for international EPR work through transboundary resource transfers, strengthened export checks, and increased traceability. Then, the intervention theory is complemented by institutional analysis to discuss critical institutional aspects (CIAs) affecting feasibility. Eleven stakeholder interviews and five events were the data sources for qualitative thematic analysis. After examining CIAs and other moderating factors along the intervention theory, institutional feasibility is assessed under criteria of administrative burden and policy space. It is concluded that the institutional feasibility of international EPR is currently restricted. However, policy implications and ways forward emerged from the analysis, translated into policy recommendations. Policymakers in the EU should revise EPR governance and increase traceability measures. Harmonisation and standardisation efforts on reuse products and waste should also be undertaken globally. Policymakers in Nigeria and Ghana should increase e-waste management efforts, engage in formal international cooperation, and enact supporting policies for the informal waste sector. Ultimately, policy efforts for a circular economy transition should be attentive to their impact outside the policymakers’ jurisdiction, to avoid externalities and ensure environmental and social sustainability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Cimadomo, Simone LU
supervisor
organization
course
IMEM01 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
circular economy, transboundary movements, extended producer responsibility, electronics, solar photovoltaics, policy analysis
publication/series
IIIEE Master Thesis
report number
2024.25
ISSN
1401-9191
language
English
id
9171367
date added to LUP
2024-08-11 13:01:51
date last changed
2024-08-11 13:01:51
@misc{9171367,
  abstract     = {{Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and other electrical and electronic equipment exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa can contribute to a circular economy (CE) extending products’ use, but too often impact negatively on receiving countries. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes in the EU operate domestically and do not capture exports, thus EPR fees do not flow to receiving countries. “International EPR” policy proposals emerged recently, however aspects of governance and feasibility are underexplored. This thesis aims to assess the institutional feasibility of international EPR for solar PV exported for reuse from the EU to West Africa, focusing on Nigeria and Ghana. First, an ex-ante intervention theory framework is used, and three expert interviews complemented by literature allow to outline intended impact mechanisms. The identified impact mechanisms for international EPR work through transboundary resource transfers, strengthened export checks, and increased traceability. Then, the intervention theory is complemented by institutional analysis to discuss critical institutional aspects (CIAs) affecting feasibility. Eleven stakeholder interviews and five events were the data sources for qualitative thematic analysis. After examining CIAs and other moderating factors along the intervention theory, institutional feasibility is assessed under criteria of administrative burden and policy space. It is concluded that the institutional feasibility of international EPR is currently restricted. However, policy implications and ways forward emerged from the analysis, translated into policy recommendations. Policymakers in the EU should revise EPR governance and increase traceability measures. Harmonisation and standardisation efforts on reuse products and waste should also be undertaken globally. Policymakers in Nigeria and Ghana should increase e-waste management efforts, engage in formal international cooperation, and enact supporting policies for the informal waste sector. Ultimately, policy efforts for a circular economy transition should be attentive to their impact outside the policymakers’ jurisdiction, to avoid externalities and ensure environmental and social sustainability.}},
  author       = {{Cimadomo, Simone}},
  issn         = {{1401-9191}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{IIIEE Master Thesis}},
  title        = {{Advancing a Circular Economy for Solar Photovoltaics Exported for Reuse: Analysing the Institutional Feasibility of International Extended Producer Responsibility for EU-West Africa Transboundary Movements}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}