Europe's First Major Solar Module Recycling Plant Opens in Spain
A new solar module recycling plant is set to open in Jerez del Marquesado, near Granada, this month. While the responsible company remains unknown, it is expected to promote the circular economy in solar cell production. The plant aims to become a European leader in photovoltaic recycling.
The plant's director, José Manuel Ramírez, has ambitious plans to make it a European benchmark. It will recover up to 99% of strategic materials, including silicon, glass, and aluminium, from recycled solar panels. This initiative aligns with the EU's Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive amendment in 2023, which holds manufacturers responsible for recycling and end-of-life treatment.
The plant is a joint venture between Trabede and Greening Group. It is supported by the Spanish government's RENOCICLA aid programme, which has allocated €100 million (US$117 million) for solar and energy storage recycling projects in Europe. The recycling and decommissioning sector of the solar industry already supports around 14,000 jobs, according to a report from SolarPower Europe in 2024.
The plant's opening this month marks a significant step towards a more sustainable solar industry in Europe. By promoting the circular economy, it aims to strengthen Trabede's commitment to environmental responsibility and contribute to Europe's green energy transition.
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