University of the South Pacific (USP) and Battery Pollution Technologies (BPT) have unveiled an exclusive strategic collaboration aimed at tackling battery pollution, unlocking circular economy opportunities, and strengthening sustainable energy resilience across the Pacific Islands. The partnership will drive coordinated efforts including joint research into battery end-of-life challenges in tropical climates and feasibility studies for a Fiji-based, regional hub-style facility to recycle batteries. It will also explore second-life applications to extend the usable life of lithium-based energy systems.
The alliance builds on the Pacific Battery Briefing delivered by BPT to Fijian government agencies in May 2025 and comes as battery usage surges across the region—from mobile devices and solar lanterns in remote communities to electric vehicles and grid-support back-ups. The collaboration seeks regionally appropriate solutions that prioritize environmental integrity, stimulate economic development, enable commercial opportunities, and boost energy resilience.
Pacific Island nations face acute challenges in managing battery waste due to geographic isolation, limited waste infrastructure, and vulnerable ecosystems. Batteries power essential services in the islands, but hazardous materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel pose environmental and safety risks if disposal is mishandled. Improper handling can threaten drinking water, damage coral reefs, and increase fire hazards, particularly during extreme weather events like cyclones. As small island developing states, Pacific nations require practical, circular economy approaches that reduce reliance on imports, build local capabilities, and protect both the environment and cultural heritage.
The partnership emphasizes capacity building and regional self-sufficiency, with plans to integrate student research opportunities, policy engagement with Pacific governments, and battery recycling capacity-building programs across Pacific Island countries. A key, time-sensitive component will be the rapid establishment of structured internships at USP, designed to give students hands-on experience in the fast-evolving battery ecosystem. Internships will focus on battery diagnostics, second-life potential, materials recovery, data systems, and safe end-of-life disposal to accelerate regional talent development for renewable energy and circular economy efforts.
Leaders from USP and BPT underscore that this is not merely a research project but a commitment to tangible environmental outcomes, investment potential, and local education and employment opportunities. The partnership also reflects a broader regional momentum toward sustainable waste management and circular economy practices, alongside other collaborations in Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Context and outlook
– The Pacific region is witnessing parallel momentum in waste management and circular economy initiatives, with organizations like the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) partnering with universities and industry bodies to expand waste collection, upcycling, and community engagement. Recent efforts highlighted pilots for kerbside collection and soft-plastic recycling, and have publicly tracked substantial progress in diverting recyclables from landfills.
– These regional activities collectively create opportunities to align battery recycling efforts with existing grassroots and academic initiatives, fostering knowledge transfer, regulatory development, and scalable solutions tailored to Pacific Island contexts.
What this could mean for Fiji and the Pacific
– Development of a local, regional battery recycling infrastructure that supports safe end-of-life management and materials recovery.
– Strengthened energy resilience through better handling of battery waste and expansion of second-life applications for energy storage systems.
– Expanded opportunities for students and local professionals in engineering, environmental science, and data management, with internships and hands-on training feeding into regional capacity building.
– Enhanced policy dialogue with governments to establish standards, incentives, and infrastructure investments that advance a circular battery economy.
Summary
The USP–BPT collaboration marks a significant step toward a circular battery economy in the Pacific, combining regional insight with cutting-edge technical capability to tackle end-of-life challenges, explore regional recycling capacity, and cultivate local expertise. By linking research, infrastructure planning, education, and policy engagement, the partnership aims to deliver practical, scalable solutions that protect the environment, create opportunities, and strengthen energy security across Pacific Island nations.
Additional context for readers
– Expect updates on feasibility findings for a Fiji-based battery recycling hub, progress on EoL research in tropical climates, and early results from internships and student-led projects.
– Watch for potential policy recommendations and funding pathways that may emerge to support infrastructure development and workforce training in the region.
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