Obsolete renewable energy equipment is expected to grow exponentially over the next 30 years. Instead of damaged and decommissioned equipment piling up in landfills, materials’ life must be extended beyond their original intended use.
Where the linear economy disposes of waste in landfills, the circular economy creates multiple opportunities for “return cycles” or “loops” that avoid disposal. This minimizes the use of resources and the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions by keeping materials, products, equipment and infrastructure in use for longer periods, thus improving the productivity of these resources.
The paper breaks down each technology’s material makeup and the extent of its current use. It looks at whether the technology’s parts and materials, including critical metals, can be (or are being) reused and refurbished. It also assesses which parts can be recycled and the methods for doing so.