Webinar on the topic: “Solar PV Waste Management”

On 25th of March 11:00-12:30 a.m. EET
Online

Registration: https://forms.gle/gUDXe6nddECnwrnEA

Agenda:Agenda Solar PV Waste management

Organized by European-Ukrainian Energy Agency

Relevance: The development of solar energy has passed a long way since the middle of the 20th century to become one of the most demanded sources of clean energy. In particular, every year the world adds about 100 GW of new solar capacities. According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), by the end of 2020, it is accounted 720 GW of solar capacity in the world. Ukraine is no exception, so since 2015, the share of solar generation has increased 7.5 times –  6094 MW of installed capacity at the end of 2020.

However, with the solar market growth, the volume of the decommissioned photovoltaic panels will be also increasing. According to the joint research of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) and IEA “End-of-life management: Solar Photovoltaic Panels”, 1.7 million tons of solar photovoltaic waste is expected in 2030, and by 2050 it will be more than 60 million tons, and the amount of solar PV waste will exceed the amount of installed capacity.

At times when the role of solar energy in the global energy mix is ​​quite clear – it is necessary for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and in general for the global “green” transition – the future of ended photovoltaic panels is quite uncertain. On the one hand, this challenge can open opportunities for cost-effective recycling solutions, create new jobs and promote the development of a circular economy, otherwise, the waste of the solar industry may add to the global waste problem in the world, which can worsen already difficult environmental situation.