Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) is assessing a potential site in Texas for its photovoltaic (PV) recycling project, with the Port of Brownsville Business Park under evaluation as a possible hub for large-scale operations.
The company said Texas presents a “highly strategic opportunity,” combining rapid solar market growth, supportive legislation, robust infrastructure, and strong investor appetite — factors that together create an ideal environment for scalable, long-term recycling facilities.
Strategic location in Brownsville
The proposed site sits within the Port of Brownsville industrial precinct, providing immediate access to heavy-industry infrastructure, utilities and transport corridors.
Photo of Port of Brownsville Business Park
Benefits include:
- proximity to petrochemical plants, storage terminals and pipelines;
- truck access via State Highway 48 for inbound panel waste and outbound recovered products such as silver and silicon;
- deep-water port facilities for maritime transport; and
- rail connections that extend the facility’s reach to solar markets across North America.
Lithium Universe said the flat topography and clear industrial zoning would simplify development and reduce permitting delays, while the large rectangular property offers space for delamination, metal recovery, warehousing, and future expansion.
Why Texas
Texas recently overtook California as the leading US state for utility-scale solar additions. The company expects a massive future waste stream from end-of-life panels in the 2030s and 2040s, alongside near-term volumes from hailstorm and hurricane damage and grid-upgrade replacements.
Regulatory support is also building. State legislation such as HB 3228, HB 3229, and SB 1290 requires developers to plan for decommissioning and recycling, often backed by financial assurance.
Other advantages include faster permitting, lower regulatory friction, a deep logistics network and a skilled energy workforce accustomed to large-scale asset management. Investor appetite has also been strong, with recycling ventures such as SolarCycle already attracting significant early-stage capital in Texas.
Brownsville advantage
The Port of Brownsville is undergoing upgrades, including the deepening of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel, which will allow larger vessels and heavier cargo. The 118-acre business park where Lithium Universe is assessing land offers shovel-ready industrial lots with utilities and storage, while local workforce initiatives at Texas Southmost College and UT Rio Grande Valley provide vocational training pipelines.
Relatively low land and labour costs compared with California also strengthen the economics of a potential facility. Proximity to SpaceX’s Starbase facility at Boca Chica adds further advantages in terms of infrastructure, logistics and workforce skills.
Map showing Brownsville, Texas
Parallel focus in Australia
While Texas is a clear target, Lithium Universe is also continuing to explore opportunities for a parallel PV recycling project in Australia, citing the nation’s world-leading per-capita solar adoption and the need for local recycling solutions.
“In addition to Australia, Texas presents LU7 with a strategic opportunity — its rapid solar expansion, supportive legislation and Brownsville’s robust infrastructure position make it an ideal hub,” said executive chairman Iggy Tan.
“By establishing scalable, cost-effective PV recycling operations, LU7 aims to support sustainability while driving the circular economy for critical solar materials.”