News1
Japan’s Marubeni has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tottori Prefecture and a Tottori-based general incorporated association (一般社団法人鳥取県産業資源循環協会) to promote proper management of used solar panels in the prefecture. The parties will work together toward a circular economy and decarbonization, for example, by sharing information on used solar panels, raising awareness of solar panel reuse among solar operators, and promoting Marubeni’s information management platform.
Marubeni has been leading Japan’s solar reuse and recycling efforts. In April 2023, Marubeni and Hamada, an Osaka-based company focusing on industrial waste treatment, established Rexia Corporation to provide solar reuse and recycling services.
Solar panel waste is a nationwide concern in Japan. It would be interesting to see if other Japanese local governments will follow Tottori’s initiative.
