| Issue | Rare-earth elements pose a challenge for wind power, and only for technologies using permanent magnets, i.e. “PMG” (Permanent Magnet Generator) wind turbines. These may contain several rare-earth elements: neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, or sometimes terbium in their permanent magnets. Magnets represent on average 600 to 700kg/MW in Direct Drive (mainly used for offshore wind turbines), and 80 to 160kg/MW in Gearbox (mainly used onshore). |
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| Recycling of permanent magnets | Due to the low volumes, there is not yet an industrial process for recycling permanent magnets in order to reuse rare-earth elements. The recycling of permanent magnets is under study and the first projects are emerging. Manufacturers are working on creating permanent magnet wind turbines without rare-earth elements. |
In Europe, the recycling of photovoltaic panels is governed by the European “WEEE” (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive. Suppliers are responsible for handling their end-of-life products.
| 95% recyclable | More than 95% of the components are recyclable Rare-earth elements are not used in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels. |
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| Collection, reuse and recycling | In France, Soren provides end-of-life collection (the average eco-participation in the purchase of equipment is €0.70 per panel) and the first PV recycling plant was opened in Rousset in the Bouches-du-Rhône, recycling “crystalline silicon” panels. The materials are separated and redirected to various industrial sectors: silicon to precious metal sectors, the aluminium frame to aluminium refineries, junction boxes and cables are crushed and sold as copper shot. Outside the EU, EDF’s task is to contribute to the creation of recycling centres in the countries where the Group operates. |
(1) “Rare-earth elements” are one of the categories of rare metals, a group of 17 metals whose chemical properties are necessary for the manufacture of high-tech devices. Other metals are considered “rare” or “critical” but are not “rare earths”, for example cobalt or lithium.
