Project pioneering circular solutions to solar panel recycling wins 2024 European Sustainable Energy Award

PHOTORAMA, an EU-funded project working to improve the recycling of photovoltaic panels has won the 2024 European Sustainable Energy Award in the Innovation category. 

The project came first in an online public vote, receiving the award at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) awards ceremony on 11 June in Brussels. 

The Photorama project brings together partners from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Norway and Belgium to improve the recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels and the recovery of raw materials, developing a circular model that can bridge the gap between the manufacturing and recycling industries. 

‘Recycling PV panels is not easy,’ says project coordinator Claire Agraffeil. ‘The current practices are identified as ‘down-cycling’, which leads to irreversible loss of valuable raw materials. Our project has been designed to demonstrate that innovation can provide solutions for high-value recycling.’ 

The results are encouraging: initial estimates suggest the recycling of 1,200 tonnes of PV panels has the potential to save more than 3,800 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, or as much greenhouse gas as emitted by almost a thousand cars driven for a year.  

PHOTORAMA was one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 in the Innovation category. The award recognises outstanding ongoing or recently completed EU-funded projects that show an original and innovative path towards the clean energy transition.  

The other finalists in this category were the Airborne Wind Energy project, which uses kites to harness stronger winds at high altitudes, and outPHit, a project supporting energy efficient renovation projects throughout Europe. 

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders  

The ​ European Sustainable Energy Awards ​ (EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The nine finalists were selected by a high-level jury in three categories –  Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy – before being submitted to an online public vote. ​  

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EUSEW 2024  

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 11-13 June under the theme ‘Net- zero solutions for a competitive Europe’. The event brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses. 

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu (media[at]eusew[dot]eu)