Sustainable materials firm EMR has joined forces with trade association Solar Energy UK, in a bid to advance circularity efforts in the sector.
There are currently limited treatment options for end-of-life solar assets in the UK. Working together with Solar Energy UK’s network of businesses (including its currently 425-strong membership) across the solar energy supply chain will, suggests EMR, allow it to accelerate its efforts to increase circularity.
EMR professes to have the capabilities to process a wide range of solar panel components. It is one of the UK’s largest recyclers of waste electronics and electrical equipment (WEEE), diverting thousands of tonnes of WEEE from landfill each year.
The group recently opened a wind Turbine Processing Centre in Glasgow South Street.
It also has a long history of recycling, reusing and repurposing ferrous and non-ferrous metals – as well as a host of commonly-used plastics via MBA Polymers UK.
Such expertise supports the group’s claim that it can extract the maximum value possible from the high-quality materials it recycles – and pass this on to its customers.
Ben Lester – Market Development Lead, EMR: “At EMR, we have long been focused on helping innovative businesses in the renewable energy sector find credible, effective, and sustainable ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle their end-of-life assets.
“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 1 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.
“By building partnerships with the many dedicated members in Solar Energy UK today, EMR is taking another important step on this journey towards a greener future, powered by renewable electricity.”
Chris Hewett – Chief Executive, Solar Energy UK said: “I am very pleased to see EMR join the Solar Energy UK family and welcome its work to improve the sustainability of the sector. 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. Membership of Solar Energy UK offers access to our deep knowledge of the solar industry, participation in working groups, extensive networking opportunities and influence on policymakers.
“I look forward to working with them.”
