From Waste to Worth: The Case for Recycling RE System Components

Solarplaza Summit to highlight the indisposable opportunities related to recycling and circularity

ROTTERDAM - 18 June 2024 - The global renewable energy industry is facing a pivotal challenge to ensure the continuation of truly sustainable growth. With one of the oldest solar fleets in the world, Europe specifically faces a pressing need to handle significant solar PV waste streams and ensure quality and circular end-of-life (EoL) management. The Solarplaza Summit Recycling Renewables will be a strategic event aimed at highlighting practical, available solutions, viable business cases for recycling, and visionary views on a more circular approach to the renewable energy transition.

As PV systems start reaching their EoL, the industry must address what to do with still-functional equipment and manage waste responsibly if it wants to maintain public trust in solar as a clean energy source. The potential for second-life applications of PV components, such as repurposing or reusing still-functional equipment, is critical to this effort. And, as large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming crucial components for the expansion of renewable energy generation sources, the topic of proper battery recycling is just as pressing. Batteries are valuable and recyclable, but because of technical, economic, and other factors, less than 5% are recycled today. That’s not just wasteful, but also potentially harmful, as they contain elements that are toxic and can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills.

The Solarplaza Summit Recycling Renewables will provide insights into the latest recycling methods, solutions to overcoming challenges, and success stories from across Europe. Experts will discuss advanced recycling technologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processing solar waste, including cutting-edge material recovery and reuse techniques. 
One of the most burning challenges is how to make recycling financially viable and rewarding enough for it to become a no-brainer for any asset owner dealing with EoL situations. The event will ensure that attendees can learn about innovative business models and collaborative approaches that enhance the economic viability of recycling operations.

The importance of considering EoL strategies from the early stages of project development will be emphasized, with topics including life cycle analysis, material selection, design for disassembly, and stakeholder collaboration across the value chain. These strategies ensure that PV systems and BESS are designed with sustainability in mind, facilitating easier recycling and reducing the overall environmental footprint. Emerging trends and innovative technologies that are set to transform the solar recycling industry will be discussed including advancements in digital solutions that enhance the traceability and efficiency of recycling processes.

Join us for a day of learning, knowledge sharing, and inspiration as we work together to close the loop in solar energy and create a sustainable future for the industry.

Solarplaza Summit Recycling Renewables
6 November 2024 - The Netherlands
Tickets: Very Early Bird: €550 - Early Bird: €650 - Regular Ticket: €750 - Late Bird: €950
Press contact: [email protected]
More info on our event website