Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Renewable Energy Components and Materials

Engineering notes

Engineering notes will be added by the Power for Solar editorial team.

Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

Renewable energy technologies have seen exponential growth over recent decades and are poised to dominate new power installations through 2050. This transition is crucial for mitigating climate change, yet it brings new sustainability challenges. Chief among these is the management of end-of-life waste from solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, geothermal, and hydroelectric systems. Large-scale deployments imply that by mid-century, tens of millions of tonnes of solar photovoltaic modules, composite turbine blades, spent chemical batteries, and other system components will retire. These components will require reuse, recycling, or disposal. If not properly handled, this waste could offset environmental gains and strain waste management infrastructure. To avoid such unintended consequences, it is essential to understand the types of waste and their volumes under realistic growth scenarios. Strategies for extending the lifespan of renewable infrastructure and closing the material and supply loops are needed.

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