Application of Microwave Technology in Resource Utilization of Retired New Energy Devices: A Review

In recent years, the market scale of new energy sources has progressively expanded, with a significant volume of new energy components (such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbine blades, and lithium batteries) entering their end-of-life phase. Disposal through mechanical shredding and landfill alone not only constitutes a waste of resources but also imposes substantial environmental pressures. Consequently, the efficient and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life new energy components has become pivotal to the sustainable development of the new energy industry. Microwave heating technology, with its unique advantages including selective heating and rapid temperature rise rates, offers a highly promising solution for the resource recovery of end-of-life new energy components. This paper reviews research progress in applying microwave technology to the recycling of photovoltaic modules, wind turbine blades, and lithium batteries. It first elucidates the mechanisms governing microwave–material interactions, focusing on the influence of microwave power, processing time, and additives. Finally, it examines the challenges facing the large-scale application of microwave technology in recycling end-of-life renewable energy components, identifies current research limitations, and outlines future prospects for development towards greater efficiency and lower carbon footprints.