SESSION C7 / 17 May 2024 / 09:00 - 10:00
Workshop: Recovery & recycling from PV panels
Chair / Presidente: Marco Tammaro (IT)
The exponential growth of cumulative global photovoltaic (PV) waste, driven by the market expansion of the last two decades, requires a focus on efficient End of Life (EoL) PV recycling methods. The proper decommissioning of PV panels is crucial for recovering value-added materials, which can be reused in the PV sector or in different production chains, thus sustaining the efficient use of resources, in line with the principles of Circular Economy (CE). Moreover, the extraction of raw materials from PV waste could contribute to mitigate supply problems related to availability and dependence on imports for those countries having limited or no resources. In fact, in a world increasingly marked by competition and war, the availability of raw materials could suddenly drastically be reduced and/or financial speculation could occur. The use of Secondary Raw Materials (SRMs) retrieved from PV waste would imply a guaranteed supply independent of political instabilities, ideally at lower costs than primary raw materials. The session's primary objective is to underline the critical importance of a secure supply of essential raw materials in order to sustain industrial activities. In particular, the session advocates for the identification of recycling methods capable of maximizing the recovery of materials from EoL PV panels, both in terms of quantity and quality. The discussion will explore EoL PV recycling methods, aiming to recover one or multiple materials, both critical, like silicon (Si) and silver (Ag), and non-critical, such as glass, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), plastic, and polymeric components. However, the focus is not only on efficient materials recovery, but also on ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of the developed recycling methods. Finally, participants are also encouraged to present innovative ideas for the reuse of materials recovered from PV waste to produce added-value products, thus contributing to a comprehensive and sustainable approach in managing PV waste. Their insights will play a crucial role in advancing recycling practices and promoting a circular economy within and outside the PV industry. Introductory lectures:
F. Coustier, R. Riva, M. Pliquet, A. Saluel, J. Aimé M. Tammaro, V. Piergrossi, L. Cafiero, S. Pucciarmati (FR)
EVERPV project: PV panels recycling using grinding process and IR equipment
E. Tolusso, F. Marzullo, A. Centurioni, F. Fattori, J.V. Barile (IT)
Closing the loop: forecasting end-of-life PV panel waste generation and building a circular value chain
P. Cerchier, F. Miserocchi, L. Pezzato, F. Nisato, G. Tassinato, K. Brunelli, M. Dabalà (IT)
Photovoltaic panel recycling: tests in the pilot plant in Venice and silicon applications for ferroalloy production
M.L. Protopapa, G. Ansanelli, M. Pietrantonio, M. Tammaro (IT)
Research activity on PV waste recycling in ENEA
