Policy Lab - Circular Value Chains of Solar Panels and Wind Turbine Blades

Wind turbine blades and solar panels are necessary for the transition to fossil free and renewable energy. However, the volumes of obsolete equipment are expected to increase. For wind turbine blades from 2030, and solar panels from 2045.

The National Audit Office pointed out that the government has not ensured that obsolete solar panels and wind turbine blades can be efficiently reused and/or material recycled. The government policy instruments currently in place are not sufficient to promote such management. Hence, it is crucial with a combination of different policy instruments so that solar panels and wind turbine blades can be reused or recycled to the greatest extent possible when they reach their end of life.

For circular value chains of solar panels and wind turbine blades to reach their full potential, they need to be supported by policy and regulatory development. RISE is now establishing a policy lab where the industry collaborates on policy and regulatory development.