[Summary] Study Group on the Disposal and Recycling of Renewable Energy Generation Facilities – 7th Meeting

Summary

During the meeting, the committee reviewed and discussed the draft interim report of the Study Group on the Disposal and Recycling of Renewable Energy Generation Facilities, drafted by the Secretariat. The interim report summarizes the current state of the disposal and recycling of solar power generation facilities while also outlining the direction of future discussions. The report also included matters to address promptly and matters for continued consideration.

While agreeing on the overall content of the report, the committee members shared their feedback and proposed some edits. Based on the discussion during the seventh meeting, the Secretariat will revise the interim report and publish the revised version upon the committee chairperson’s approval.

Comments from the Committee and Observers

Some of the discussion points included:

• The need to put more emphasis on residential solar energy systems and non-FIT/FIP power generation facilities, which are likely to increase, although the majority of today’s solar power systems in Japan are FIT/FIP facilities.
• The need to support businesses in acquiring human resources capable of diagnosing used solar panels (whether panels can be reused).
• The need for creating information systems interoperable with those of other products.
• The need to further discuss how to secure the safety of solar power generation equipment after power generation has ended (whether raising awareness is sufficient).
• The need to reduce the cost associated with solar panel reuse. Having a cost advantage over brand-new solar panels is essential in promoting the reuse of solar panels. Reducing the cost of panel diagnosis is crucial in preventing inappropriate export of used solar panels.
• Whether further measures are required to prevent inappropriate export of used solar panels.

Draft Interim Report

Below is the excerpt from the interim report:

1. Matters to Address Promptly

• Mandate solar operators to use solar panel models with registered hazardous material information when applying for new FIT/FIP certification under the Renewable Energy Special Measures Act. Aim to revise and enact the ministry ordinance by the spring of 2024. Compile a database of hazardous material information and raise awareness among businesses.
• Promote the reuse and recycling of solar power generation equipment by further disseminating information to stakeholders, including “Guidelines for the Promotion of Recycling, etc. of PV Power Generation Systems” and “Guidelines for Promoting Appropriate Reuse of Photovoltaic Panels,” published by the MOEJ.
• Take measures to maintain the safety of solar power generation equipment after power generation has ended, for example, by requiring installers to implement appropriate insulation measures.

2. Matters for Continued Consideration

• Establish a mechanism to ensure the traceability of solar power generation equipment from the manufacturing stage to the completion of disposal and recycling, allowing the acquisition of necessary information for reuse, recycling, and proper disposal, such as movement and hazardous material information of used solar power generation equipment.
• Develop a mechanism to ensure the reliable handover and collection of used solar panels from solar operators to various stakeholders involved in dismantling, removal, collection and transportation, reuse, and recycling after the end of power generation.
• Implement measures to promote proper reuse.
• Establish a mechanism to ensure that recycling and proper disposal costs are secured regardless of business form or installation type.
• Considering cases where power generation operators abandon solar power generation facilities after the conclusion of projects, organize responses to such operators according to business and installation forms based on relevant laws and regulations.

Study Group on the Disposal and Recycling of Renewable Energy Generation Facilities – 7th Meeting (in Japanese)