How Cradle-to-Cradle Recycling Supports the Transition to 100% Renewable Energies

To achieve carbon neutrality, a major expansion in photovoltaic module production is essential, raising material demands and recycling needs. Circular recycling is pivotal for handling the material flows in a global PV module fleet of multi-terawatt scale. Immediate action is needed to prevent the accumulation of vast quantities of low-value waste. Challenges vary across materials: limited silver reserves prompt a need for its reduction or substitution, while polymers and glass face production and market absorption challenges, respectively. Circular recycling can mitigate these issues. Additionally, recycling key materials like silicon, aluminum, and copper is crucial from an economic perspective, especially with the potential replacement of silver. However, prolonging module lifespans, while reducing material demand, might impede timely carbon reduction achievements.