Solarplaza Summit | Recycling Renewables

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Program


08:30

Welcome Coffee

30 min.

Session Topics:

09:00

Conference Kick-Off

10 min.

Jan Clyncke

PV CYCLE

Edwin Koot

Solarplaza

Session Topics:

09:10

Keynote: The Present and Future RE Waste

presentation

20 min.

Session Topics:
  • EoL of RE assets
  • Volumes and implications of decommissioning of RE assets in the next decade
  • Advancements in recycling technologies and second-life applications

Session 1

The End-of-Life Journey

09:30

The Role of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)

presentation

10 min.

This session will explore the vital role of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) in managing the lifecycle of renewable energy products. PROs ensure that manufacturers take responsibility for their products’ environmental impact, from production to end-of-life. The session will cover how PROs contribute to sustainability by facilitating recycling, compliance with regulations, and promoting a circular economy in the renewable energy sector.

Pascal Leroy

WEEE Forum

Session Topics:
  • Operational framework of PRO
  • Collaboration with industry stakeholders
  • Regulatory influence and compliance

09:40

Regulatory Framework for Recycling

presentation

10 min.

This presentation will explore the regulatory landscape surrounding recycling. It will provide an overview of existing regulations, recent developments, and future trends that shape how recycling strategies are implemented. The session will also discuss the impact of these regulations on industry practices, emphasising the importance of compliance and proactive adaptation to new standards.

Isabelle Radovan

European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC)

Session Topics:
  • WEEE directive
  • Challenges in compliance
  • Future regulatory trends

09:50

Point of view of waste management towards PROs

presentation

10 min.

This session will explore the perspective of waste management companies on the role and impact of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs). It will focus on how waste management practices intersect with the objectives of PROs, particularly in promoting recycling and responsible disposal of renewable energy components. The session will also discuss the challenges and opportunities waste management organizations face when working with PROs to create efficient, sustainable waste solutions.

Aizea Astor Hoschen

FEAD

Session Topics:

10:00

Transitioning From Operations to End-of-Life

panel

40 min.

This panel discussion will focus on the critical phase of transitioning renewable energy assets from active operations to end-of-life management. It will explore the roles of various stakeholders, including O&M service providers, in ensuring sustainable practices during this transition. The session will cover topics such as repowering and revamping strategies, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the environmental impacts of decommissioning renewable assets.

Tomaso Charlemont

BayWa r.e.

Arnoud Klaren

Quintas Energy

Session Topics:
  • Stakeholders involvement - the role of O&M service provider
  • Repowering and revamping
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)
  • Environmental impact of decommissioning renewable assets

10:40

Morning Networking Break

Take this opportunity to mingle and start making those vital industry contacts!

Session Topics:

Session 2

Harnessing Value from Decommissioned Assets

11:20

Current Practice and Future Viability of Recycling

presentation

20 min.

This presentation will provide an overview of the current practices in the recycling of renewable energy components and evaluate its future viability. It will explore the market opportunities and incentives that are driving the growth of recycling in the renewable energy sector, as well as the lifecycle cost impacts of these practices. The session will include a cost-benefit analysis to highlight the business case for investing in recycling technologies and processes.

Karsten Wambach

bifa Umweltinstitut

Session Topics:
  • Market opportunities and incentives
  • Lifecycle cost impact
  • Cost-benefit analysis: the business case
  • Current recycling methods and processes

11:40

Quo Vadis PV Recycling?

panel

40 min.

This session will discuss different advanced methods for high-value recycling of PV modules aimed at maximising material recovery and minimising waste. Experts will discuss innovative technologies and processes that enhance the efficiency and economic viability of recycling these components. The session will also address the role of industry collaboration and research in advancing high-value recycling practices.

moderator

Karsten Wambach

bifa Umweltinstitut

Jan Bargels

Solar Materials

Peter Henatsch

Fraunhofer CSP

Matteo Griseri

Umicore

Session Topics:
  • Economic and environmental impact
  • Maximising material recovery
  • Use of recycled materials towards a circular economy

12:20

Second life: Reuse and Refurbishment

panel

40 min.

This session will explore the growing market and business models surrounding the reuse and refurbishment of renewable energy components, particularly focusing on the second life of devices such as PV modules, batteries and inverters. The session will also examine the economic and environmental benefits of these practices, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the second-hand market for refurbished components.

Wim van Opstal

VITO

Stefan Wippich

SecondSol

Arvid van der Heide

imec

Donald Balcaen

Inverter Service BeNeLux

Session Topics:
  • Second life business models
  • Functionality testing and eligibility check
  • The re-used market and applications
  • Cost-benefit analysis: the business case

13:00

Networking Lunch

Our networking app makes it easy to schedule one-on-one meetings with any of the 150+ attendees and 20+ speakers!

Session Topics:

Session 3

Reducing Emissions and Enhancing Transparency in Renewables

14:30

Decarbonizing Renewables: Emissions Management and Future Outlook

presentation

20 min.

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the carbon emissions associated with renewable energy technologies throughout their lifecycle. It will explore strategies for reducing these emissions, focusing on technological innovations and policy measures. The session will also offer insights into future directions for the renewable energy sector, highlighting pathways to achieve further decarbonization and sustainability.

Session Topics:
  • Lifecycle Carbon Emissions
  • Reduction Strategies
  • Future Directions

14:50

Value Chain Integrity in Renewables

panel

40 min.

This panel will discuss the importance of maintaining integrity across the renewable energy value chain. The session will cover the role of life cycle analysis in assessing environmental impacts, the significance of selecting sustainable materials, and the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure responsible practices.

moderator

Kahya Engler

Sunrock

Ullrich Didszun

UDZ Consult

Perine Fleury

Biosphere Solar

Britt Vonk

Sustenuto

Session Topics:
  • Life Cycle analysis
  • Material selection and design
  • Stakeholder collaboration across the value chain

15:30

Afternoon Networking Break

Take this chance to connect and start building your network!

Session Topics:

Session 4

Circular Economy: One Step Closer

16:10

Recycling of Inverters, Wind Turbines and EV Batteries

panel

40 min.

This session will focus on the critical issue of recycling key components in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) technologies. It will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the recycling of inverters, wind turbines, and EV batteries.

Ivan Botamino

FCC Ambito

Session Topics:
  • Inverters
  • Wind turbines
  • EV batteries

16:50

Battery Recycling in Europe

presentation

15 min.

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the current state of battery recycling in Europe, focusing on technological advancements and market trends. The session will discuss the challenges and opportunities in recycling large-scale BESS systems.

George Hilton

S&P Global Commodity Insights

Session Topics:
  • Lessons learned
  • Technological advancements
  • Looking into the future

17:05

Building a Circular Future in Renewables

panel

30 min.

This panel will explore the critical role of circular economy principles in the renewable energy sector. Experts will discuss strategies for maximising resource efficiency and ensuring the sustainable life cycle of renewable energy technologies. The session will emphasise the importance of cross-industry collaboration, innovative design, and regulatory support in fostering a truly circular economy.

moderator

Jan Clyncke

PV CYCLE

Nicolas Defrenne

Soren

Gian Marco Gioffré

WindEurope

Valérie Séjourné

Solar Heat Europe (ESTIF)

Michiel van Schalkwijk

ZRN

Session Topics:
  • Design for Circularity
  • Collaborative Value Chains
  • Regulatory and Market Incentives

17:45

Keynote - Closing the Loop

presentation

15 min.

Session Topics:

17:50

Networking Drinks

As you mingle and build your network, be sure to take a moment to enjoy a refreshing soft drink, glass of wine, or cold beer. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals from our global network.

Session Topics:

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