Spanish energy giant Iberdrola has revealed intentions to collaborate with FCC Ámbito, a commercial waste management company, to advance the large-scale recycling of solar panels.
In a statement, Iberdrola announced that the two companies will assess and potentially implement new treatment technologies to boost the industrial recovery capacity of PV modules. They also aim to investigate the utilization of secondary raw materials obtained from treatment processes to ensure the complete recyclability of solar panels.
Iberdrola stated that their actions will secure an optimal position for panel recycling at the end of their life cycle. Álvaro Portellano, the head of Iberdrola’s Perseo Venture Builder unit, highlighted the company’s dedication to recycling all components of their facilities.
“This strategic partnership is a continuation of our quest for the finest technologies for recovering the resources present in waste to reintegrate them into production processes,” remarked María Jesús Kaifer, Technical Director at FCC Ámbito and leader of circular economy. “The recycling of photovoltaic panels is another initiative that we are tackling alongside Iberdrola, a leading company in its field.”
In 2022, FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola jointly established EnergyLoop, a company focused on wind turbine blade recycling.
Recently, FCC Ámbito inaugurated an industrial plant for treating PV panels in Cadrete, Spain, and is presently spearheading the PV4INK R&D&I project, which targets the recovery of silver from solar panels. Concurrently, Iberdrola is engaged in the European RETRIEVE project, focusing on adaptable recovery technologies for each primary component of PV panels, especially silicon.
In 2023, Iberdrola finalized Spain’s inaugural hybrid wind-solar plant and disclosed intentions to launch a PV module factory and set up the nation’s first hybrid hydroelectric-solar plant.
Source: Iberdrola
