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New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
World’s largest fully recyclable roof-top solar installation
30/10/2024
News
Chemicals manufacturer SABIC has inaugurated what it claims is the world’s largest ‘fully recyclable’ lightweight solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system, at its plant in Genk, Belgium.
The system comprises 4,600 solar panels from Dutch manufacturer Solarge, each weighing less than 7 kg/m2. It is expected to generate 2,000 MWh annually and reduce SABIC’s CO2 emissions by 800 t/y.
A distinctive feature of the lightweight solar panels is that they are made up of entirely separable layers, allowing for disassembly and reuse of all components. Incorporating polymers produced by SABIC in Genk, the panels are reported to be 50% lighter than conventional units, making them suitable for roof structures with weight restrictions. In addition, the carbon footprint of the panels is said to be 25% lower and they can be recycled after 25 years.
SABIC will use 97% of the generated electricity for its own needs, covering about 5% of the local energy demand at its Genk site.
The rooftop system was installed and funded by Belgian utility Engie, as part of its goal ‘to have 300 MW of solar installations in service at businesses by 2030’.
