The end-of-life management of photovoltaic modules -  Modeling the Portuguese case study for 2040

Miguel José Martins Rodrigues

Key information

Authors:

Miguel José Martins Rodrigues (Miguel José Martins Rodrigues)

Supervisors:

Paulo Manuel Cadete Ferrão (Paulo Manuel Cadete Ferrão)

Published in

December 2, 2024

Abstract

Year after year, photovoltaic energy is becoming increasingly important in electric systems on a global scale. Portugal is a country with very high levels of solar irradiation, making it highly attractive for the development of both centralised and decentralised photovoltaic energy projects. With the increasing installation of photovoltaic modules, the country must prepare to manage the large waste streams generated by these devices in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible way. This study includes the modeling of a case study on the end-of-life management of photovoltaic modules in Portugal up to 2040. Through this work, various economic agents will be able to make more informed decisions regarding the logistical systems associated with waste management and, more importantly, investment in a recycling plant. Portugal will have an accumulated waste stream of photovoltaic modules that could reach between 63,000 t and 230,000 t by 2040. Annually, it is expected that waste volumes could reach 7,500 t in 2030, 18,500 t in 2035 and 34,000 t in 2040. The centralised sector will have a greater impact on waste generation compared to the decentralised sector. The Alentejo and Centro regions are considered the most attractive locations for hosting a recycling facility. Mechanical processes currently operate at a commercial scale, but they are less attractive compared to combined processes (thermal, chemical, and mechanical), which are capable of recovering more valuable materials, such as silver. Portugal should leverage the development of upcycling processes to install a commercial recycling plant between 2030 and 2035.