EU-China Workshop on “Transition to a Circular Economy”
EU-China Workshop on “Transition to a Circular Economy”
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power serves as an irreplaceable cornerstone of the global efforts to cut carbon emissions. As the first generation of large-scale deployed PV power plants approaches the ends of their lifespan, the challenge of managing this waste is becoming increasingly prominent: it is estimated that by 2030, millions of tons of decommissioned PV modules will be generated globally. Improper handling would pose severe environmental challenges, making the recycling and reuse of end-of-life PV modules a critical issue urgently to be addressed in the field of circular economy.
As core markets for global PV applications and leaders in green transition, the EU and China have explored different approaches to tackle this challenge: the EU introduces a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme coupled with well-established collection and recycling system to ensure standardized collection and disposal, get prepared for the upcoming wave of decommissioning. China, on the other hand, has driven progress in recycling technologies and industries through policy guidance and market cultivation. The government has formulated a set of industry standards and is looking to strengthen rules further with mandatory laws. Both approaches bring unique strengths to the table, providing an important opportunity for dialogue and mutual learning that can offer valuable insights to decommissioned PV recycling.
In 2018, the EU and China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Circular Economy, laying the foundation for deeper cooperation in areas of core concern. In this context, “the EU-China Workshop on “Transition to a Circular Economy” will focus on the topics addressing the interests from both sides. This workshop on solar circularity will provide a platform for discussion among representatives from both sides. It will focus on regulatory developments, commercial and technical measures and challenges in the EU and China to promote and facilitate circularity in the solar sector.
bifa will be represented by Dr. Matthias Hämmer:
Quantifying PV Modules‘ Technical Recyclability: EU Project Experience and Scenario-based Insights“
Participants: political representatives of EU and China, industry association, academia, PV businesses, etc.
Date: 15:30 - 18:30 (CST) / 08:30 - 11:30 (CET), December 4th, 2025
Language: Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
Format: A hybrid meeting, invitees only