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EMR looks forward to solar panel recycling

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EMR is committing to a greater involvement in the solar energy sector by joining the industry’s trade association.

Although there are limited treatment options for end-of-life solar assets in the UK, EMR expects partnering businesses across the supply chain within Solar Energy UK will accelerate its efforts to increase circularity in this sector.
The development follows the recent opening of EMR’s Wind Turbine Processing Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

Capability

EMR says it has the capability to process a wide range of solar panel components, mostly non-ferrous. Market development lead Ben Lester says: ‘Joining forces with similarly focused businesses and organisations as part of Solar Energy UK represents an exciting opportunity to share our progress, learn more about the industry’s needs and add our voice to the call for better regulation and support for the sector, as a whole.

‘Right now, the number of solar panels that reach end of life in the UK is very small. Yet, by 2050, the industry expects there will be over one million panels that need decommissioning in this country alone.

‘That gives EMR – and its customers and partners – a valuable head start when it comes to building and scaling up an effective circular economy for the materials they contain.’

Growing demand

Solar Energy UK’s 425-strong membership includes a host of innovators and investors. Chris Hewett, chief executive, Solar Energy UK, welcomes EMR’s involvement.

‘Demand for solar recycling services is going to expand significantly in the coming years, particularly as first-generation assets are retired and repowered, so EMR is wise to get ahead of its competitors.
‘EMR joins many companies working with the solar sector that have become members over recent years, including law firms, cable manufacturers and other service providers.’

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