Singapore-based utilities, marine and urban development group, Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), has entered into a partnership with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to commercialize the first-ever technology in Singapore for photovoltaic recycling. The process developed locally by SP researchers recovers resources from used solar panels, such as glass, silicon, and metals including silver and aluminum. The two partners will work together to translate these solutions from laboratory to market, and accelerate plans to develop a pilot recycling plant for solar panels. Once the technology proves commercially viable, the pilot plant can serve as a potential prototype for larger-scale recycling of used solar panels in Singapore, and beyond.
Sembcorp and SP are also collaborating to jointly develop course curriculum at the polytechnic, internships, as well as continuing education programs for managers, engineers and technicians working on solar projects. In the future, Sembcorp also plans to make this training a requirement for all contractors working on its solar power projects in Singapore.
Sembcorp is a leading solar power player in Singapore, with more than 120 megawatt peak of capacity in operation and under development here, across more than 1,500 sites. The company’s rooftop solar projects here are located on top of public housing blocks, schools, government sites, as well as private commercial and industrial facilities. Globally, Sembcorp has around 2,600 megawatts of wind and solar power projects across Singapore, China and India. Last year, the company unveiled its new Climate Change Strategy and outlined ambitious targets to double its renewables portfolio and reduce its carbon emission intensity by around 25% by 2022.
(Source: Sembcorp; Straits Times)