Between 2023 and 2024, IEMA’s Circular Economy and Climate Change & Energy policy teams worked with Dr Anne Velenturf, Senior Researcher in Circular Economy at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, to run a series of webinars looking at the challenges and opportunities associated with developing circular renewables.
The aim of the programme was to explore the emerging subject of circular renewables, build a community of interest across industry, policy, civic sector and research, and help raise the profile and importance of embedding circularity into our renewable energy infrastructure.
The series brought together the collective expertise of academics, standards bodies, businesses, civic organisations and policy makers working at the cutting edge of innovative circular solutions for renewables.
We would like to thank all our session chairs and speakers for sharing their specialist knowledge and insights in this open forum space, and all of the session attendees for their thoughtful questions.
The knowledge and insights exchanged throughout the series will form the basis for future IEMA and University of Leeds collaborative research and policy advocacy work in the sector, and ultimately, it is hoped, will aid policymakers and business in developing a long-term strategy for circular renewables development and deployment in the UK.
For further information about this project please contact:
Dr Anne Velenturf: [email protected]
Chloë Fiddy: [email protected]
In September 2023, IEMA and the University of Leeds kicked off a webinar series on “Circular Renewables” with a view to grow a community of researchers, innovators, companies, policy makers and others who are interested in embedding circular economy solutions into renewable industries such as wind, solar and electric vehicles. During 2023 and 2024, more than 600 people took part in the live webinars, with many more people revisiting the episodes in their own time.
The series generated an understanding of the current state of the art where policy and industry action can be taken, and identified gaps in the knowledge base for further research, development and innovation. Three area of key insights could be summarised:
First, speakers displayed a high diversity in perspectives in what circular economy is, but were unanimous in emphasising that it has to go beyond recycling. Circular strategies that were highlighted were design, for example to ease disassembly, reduce the number of different materials in components, and extend product life. Moreover, measures to reduce energy demand across the economy were proposed, to limit the demand for materials to build renewable energy infrastructure. Finally, various opportunities were identified to slow and close loops between renewable technologies to enhance component reuse and recycle (critical) materials.
A second area of key insights underlined the high uncertainty in material flow forecasts. While mountains of waste were predicted, flows towards recycling have been smaller than expected for the outstanding reason that renewable infrastructure is being reused and refurbished at far higher rates than anticipated. While circular economy solutions were generally presented with strong business cases, uncertainties in material flows hinder actionable investments.
The third area of key insights focused on enablers, proposing standards and regulations to improve data collection on material volumes and qualities. This will provide a better evidence base to enable investment and policy decisions. There can be stark differences between the economic viability of circular renewables investments across countries, where the critical mass of materials can vary by a factor 2-3 for largely unknown policy / market reasons. A lack of investment risks continued downcycling of materials rather than higher value recycling. Investment into end-of-use facilities has to be in parallel with investment into manufacturing, for there to be markets for the off-take of recovered materials. Policy has to take a whole system approach to bring the various enabling conditions for circular renewables together at the right time, such as access to land, ports, investment and skilled people. Closer collaboration to align circular economy solutions along the supply chain is also necessary.
Concluding the series with a discussion on key priorities emphasised the importance of collaboration to coordinate efforts among researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry players to advance circular economy in renewables. Proactive policy measures are key to creating conducive environments for circular practices and drive sustainable resource management. Moving forward, priorities for research, development and innovation highlight the importance of developing high value material recovery solutions, material substitution to reduce dependency on critical resources, and to carry out material flow assessments to inform policy and investment decisions.
The recently-elected (at the time of writing) Labour government has committed to delivering a national transition to renewable energy by 2030.
The previous government had published the British Energy Security Strategy 2022 which set out an ambition for installed capacity of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030 and up to 70GW of solar power by 2035. To set this in context, this required an increase in capacity of around 10 times for offshore wind and around 14 times for solar. This will not be the end of the challenge - capacity will need to continue increasing at a similar pace beyond 2035 if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions target.
As well as switching to renewable energy, the total capacity of supply needs to increase: modelling by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) suggests that demand for electricity in the UK will double by 2050 as energy sources used by homes and transport are electrified. The CCC calculates that the share of electricity provided by renewables will have to go from the current level of 25%, up to 80%.
The volume of renewable energy technologies needed to meet the government targets, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles and battery storage, will require a wide range of minerals and metals from supply chains worldwide.
The International Energy Association (IEA) estimates that by 2040, total worldwide mineral demand will increase by two to four times the current levels, outstripping the rate at which new primary and secondary sources are currently being developed.
Zero Waste Scotland recently mapped the material demand in Scotland’s energy infrastructure. It found that more than 85% of this demand will be the concrete and steel required to meet Scotland’s net zero ambitions by 2045.
It is clear from evidence and research that the pressure on resources needed for renewable energy technology and infrastructure is set to grow exponentially for the UK. Most of the increase in infrastructure has been planned with a linear model of ‘take, make, waste’ in mind, however, it is essential that the vast volumes of minerals and materials used in components are not turned into waste at the end of their first lifespans.
The urgency attached to the transition should not overshadow the importance of integrating circular models into all aspects of our renewable energy infrastructure. This will support net zero ambitions, reduce the demand from geo-politically volatile supply chains, keep valuable materials in use for longer and help reduce the environmental impacts of extracting raw materials.
This followed IEMA’s call for the UK government to develop a circular renewables strategy.
This opening session gave an introduction to the emerging subject of circular renewables.
Chair: Adam Batchelor, IEMA
Speakers:
Session 1 Highlights: The Circular Renewable Series, launched by IEMA with the University of Leeds, explores how circular economy principles can help meet the UK’s net-zero targets. Adam Batchelor of IEMA highlights that sustainable growth in renewable energy requires responsible material use, especially for resources like steel, copper, and aluminum.
Circular Economy Strategies for Renewable Energy Dr. Anne Velenturf of the University of Leeds underscores the importance of designing renewable infrastructure with minimal waste and multi-cycle potential. With demand for materials like concrete and steel set to rise, the UK can benefit from circular strategies like remanufacturing and recycling, which could also create up to 500,000 jobs by 2030.
Scotland’s Circularity Goals and Renewable Ambitions Kenny Taylor from Zero Waste Scotland reports on Scotland’s commitment to resource reuse through decommissioning older infrastructure. The Circularity Gap Report finds that Scotland’s circularity rate is only 1.3%, showing a need for improvements. Government plans focus on reusing materials to meet climate goals, reduce waste, and promote job growth in circular renewables.
The Path to Ultra-Low Carbon Energy
Circular renewable strategies can make energy infrastructure more sustainable and cost-effective by reducing waste, enhancing recycling, and supporting local economies. These initiatives position the UK to achieve net-zero emissions while building resilience in renewable energy supply chains
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 1 Introducing Circular Renewables
This webinar looked at the urgency of proactive supply chain development to achieve better circularity of materials in renewable energy infrastructure.
Chair: Izzi Monk Policy Adviser for critical minerals and the circular economy at the Royal Society of Chemistry
Speakers:
Overview: The November 2023 session of the Circular Renewable Series, chaired by Izzi Monk of the Royal Society of Chemistry, tackled the urgent need for sustainable supply chains to meet global net-zero targets. Experts from UNEP’s International Resource Panel, Green Alliance, and Leuphana University discussed challenges and strategies for minimizing resource use and fostering circularity in renewable energy.
Global Material Demand & Resource Governance Janez Potocnik emphasized the exponential increase in global material use, with non-metallic minerals and critical materials required for renewables growing rapidly. Meeting the material demands of technologies like electric vehicles and wind energy by 2040 will require a sixfold increase in critical materials. To meet these needs sustainably, a shift toward demand reduction and circularity—through recycling, design for longevity, and sustainable sourcing—is essential.
UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy highlights the importance of 18 highly critical materials, including those essential for solar panels, wind turbines, and EVs. This strategy, updated in 2023, underscores the need for data tracking, recycling infrastructure, and policy coordination to reduce reliance on primary resource extraction. Collaboration across renewables sectors is crucial to optimize material reuse, minimize waste, and align with circular economy goals.
Supply Chain Circularity in Wind Energy Kathrin Kramer addressed the specific challenges in establishing circular supply chains for wind energy, such as managing decommissioned turbines and ensuring high-quality recycling. Extending turbine lifespans, reselling parts, and promoting high-quality material recycling are key strategies to reduce dependency on virgin materials and support sustainable wind energy scaling.
Key Policy Recommendations for Circular Renewables
Looking Forward:
The session concluded with a call to establish comprehensive strategies to drive circular, low-carbon business models. Upcoming sessions will compare the benefits of recycling vs. designing for longer lifetimes in renewables.
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 2 Supply Chains
This session looked at the design stage of the renewable energy infrastructure from the perspectives of planning for reusability or recycling and for longer lifespans.
Chair: Lorna Bennet Project Engineer, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Speakers:
In the "Recycling vs. Durability in Circular Renewables" webinar, Lorna Bennett from Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult set the stage, highlighting the environmental impact of renewable components, particularly metal ones. Bennett emphasized that while recycling steel in wind turbine monopiles reduces emissions, using durable, steel-reinforced concrete monopiles could cut emissions further and reduce turbine damage. Expert speakers from academia, industry, and standards organizations shared insights on circular design, renewable energy waste management, and standards for sustainability in this sector.
Design for Circularity: Key Insights from Professor Deborah Andrews
Professor Deborah Andrews of London South Bank University advocated for a circular economy approach, where products are designed for durability and recyclability. She highlighted the evolution of product design, noting how complex designs, such as modern electronic appliances, create recycling challenges. Andrews presented a case study on circular servers, showcasing modular, easy-to-disassemble components that extend product life. Her insights stressed the importance of designing products that can be repaired and recycled, especially while recycling infrastructure for complex electronics remains limited.
Solar PV Waste and Recycling Challenges: Insights from Matt Burnell
Matt Burnell of ReSolar Ltd discussed the growth of solar PV and the expected surge in waste from outdated panels. With solar panels' complex, durable designs, recycling remains economically challenging. Burnell detailed three main recycling methods—thermal, chemical, and mechanical—alongside barriers such as low recycling volumes and regulatory constraints. He called for policies to support recycling investments and emphasized the need for regulations that accommodate second-life panel markets, highlighting a successful reuse project in Cornwall.
Standards for Circularity and Sustainability: Nicola Young from BSI
Nicola Young, Standards Development Manager at BSI, described how standards play a pivotal role in promoting circularity. She outlined international and national standards, emphasizing their importance in product lifecycle management, innovation, and sustainability. Notably, ISO’s circular economy standards and BSI’s battery manufacturing standards are paving the way for sustainable practices. Young encouraged stakeholders, especially SMEs, to contribute to standards development, supporting innovation and environmental goals.
Audience Q&A Highlights
The session’s Q&A brought discussions on aligning industry competitors, public investment in renewables, and regulatory updates for recyclability. Andrews stressed that behavioral changes and alternative models like leasing are essential for a circular economy. Young advocated for regulatory flexibility to keep pace with technology, while Burnell emphasized the need for updated enforcement in PV recycling regulations to curb illegal exports.
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 3 Recycling Vs. Durability
This session gave a real insight into the current state of renewables recycling and what needs to happen to ensure renewables infrastructure can be recycled at the end of use.
Chair: Deryth Wittek Head of Clean Growth & Infrastructure, UK Department for Business and Trade, Germany
Speakers:
The session on wind turbine recycling discussed the challenges and opportunities in decommissioning renewable energy infrastructure. Charlotte Stamper from European Metals Recycling highlighted the established recycling practices for metal components like drivetrain and towers, but stressed the need for scalable solutions for turbine blades and nacelle covers, which often end up in landfills. The industry is focusing on developing better recycling technologies, with investments in dedicated turbine reprocessing centers, such as one in Glasgow. Strategic approaches include collaboration between turbine owners and recycling companies to improve circularity and align with net-zero goals. Design for disassembly was emphasized as a key solution for future turbines.
Photovoltaic Panel Recycling: Current Practices and Policy Challenges
Dr. Eleni Kastanaki from the Technical University of Crete addressed solar PV panel recycling challenges. With the expected growth in PV waste over the coming decades, the session discussed the complexity of recycling PV panels due to their layered structure, including tempered glass and photovoltaic cells. Recycling technologies are underdeveloped, leading to downcycling of materials. Geographic dispersion of installations presents logistical challenges, and specialized recycling facilities are necessary in key countries like Germany, France, and Italy. Kastanaki advocated for a stronger EU regulatory framework to improve recycling processes, including better reporting for solar PV waste and design for circularity to facilitate repair, reuse, and remanufacturing.
Investment and Policy for Renewable Recycling Infrastructure
The session also explored the investment required to develop effective recycling infrastructure for renewable energy components. Speakers emphasized the need for targeted policies and standards to drive investment in recycling technologies. For wind turbines, this includes policy support for design for disassembly and lifecycle management. For solar panels, the EU’s regulatory framework should be enhanced to include separate reporting for PV waste, material passports, and safety standards for reused panels. Both sectors require a coordinated, cross-border approach to manage growing waste streams and ensure circular economy principles are applied effectively.
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 4 Recycling The Good The Missing And The Imaginary
This session explored the opportunities for remanufacturing renewable energy infrastructure.
Chair: Sara Halliday Sustainability and ESG Manager, ASD Ltd
Speakers:
Remanufacturing in the renewable energy sector offers significant energy, material, and carbon savings. Reusing components rather than manufacturing new products extends product lifecycles, reduces raw material demand, and minimizes waste. For example, refurbishing a Siemens 2.3CS yaw gear results in ~400kg CO2eq savings compared to buying a new one. Remanufactured products also meet strict quality standards and come with warranties equivalent to new products, ensuring reliability. Legislation and policies are shifting to favor remanufacturing as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to resource scarcity.
Remanufacturing in the Electric Vehicle (EV) and Wind Industries
Friya Tailor from the University of Warwick highlighted the growing demand for remanufacturing driven by the electric vehicle (EV) market and renewable energy sectors. Materials like Neodymium (used in magnets for wind turbines and EVs) are critical, with demand forecasted to grow significantly. As supply chains are largely controlled by China, remanufacturing offers an opportunity to repurpose materials from wind turbines for EV use, creating a more resilient supply chain.
The Circular Economy in Wind Energy: Challenges and Opportunities
Carol Sheath from Renewable Parts discussed the wind industry’s transition from a linear to a more sustainable, circular economy model. Since 2019, Renewable Parts has diverted significant waste from landfills, saved CO2 emissions, and circulated thousands of components for reuse. The company’s approach includes disassembly, repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing to enhance performance and extend life. Challenges include overcoming the perception that remanufactured products are of lower quality than new, and overcoming obsolescence and OEM restrictions that hinder reuse. However, policy shifts and technological advances like AI and automation are set to improve remanufacturing efficiency and scalability.
The Economic and Environmental Potential of Remanufacturing
Remanufacturing holds significant economic potential for the UK, creating local supply chains and reducing dependency on imports. By re-designing products for easier refurbishment, waste can be minimized, and product lifespans can be extended. However, challenges remain, such as limited availability of data on failure rates, parts lists, and design specifications, which hinder effective scaling. Despite these hurdles, the growing push towards circular economy practices presents a promising future for remanufacturing in the renewable energy industry.
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 5 Remanufacturing The Future
This final session discussed the actions and policies needed at key intervention points to embed circular economy in renewable industries.
Chair: Dr Anne Velenturf, Senior Researcher in Circular Economy, University of Leeds
Speakers:
Accelerating Circular Renewables emphasized actions to promote circular economy solutions within the renewable energy sector. Experts like Dr. Anne Velenturf, Ajinkya Kale, and Rémy Le Moigne discussed key strategies to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve the sustainability of renewable energy systems. The session focused on improving product design, enhancing material recovery, and accelerating policy and investment to build a sustainable circular economy.
Circular Economy Strategies for India's Solar Industry
Ajinkya Kale of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water presented a model for solar waste management in India. The model predicts solar waste volumes and analyzes the economics of PV recycling. He stressed the importance of business models and strategies to support a thriving circular economy within India’s solar sector, enabling better management of critical raw materials and resource efficiency.
Policy Recommendations to Promote Circular Renewables
Heather Plumpton from Green Alliance shared key policy recommendations to encourage circular renewables. She advocated for integrating circular practices into climate, industrial, and trade policies to enhance material traceability, boost investment, and establish a cohesive, global circular economy framework. She called for better data infrastructure, including material passports and data hubs, to support sustainable policies.
Overcoming Barriers to Circular Renewables
A major challenge discussed was the uncertainty in material flow forecasts. While waste predictions have been high, the reuse and refurbishment rates for renewable infrastructure have exceeded expectations, slowing recycling efforts. To scale circular solutions, stakeholders need to address issues like lack of investment, data gaps, and uncoordinated supply chains, all while aligning policy frameworks across countries.
Key Steps to Accelerate Circular Economy in Renewables
To accelerate the transition to circular renewables, panelists emphasized the need for design improvements, increased investment, and collaboration across industries. Rémy Le Moigne highlighted the importance of economic and policy conditions to build circular value chains, while Russell Hall proposed embedding circularity into the UK's industrial strategy to enhance manufacturing sustainability. Ajinkya Kale stressed the need for policy support, such as the Product Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar and battery sectors.
Global Collaboration and Innovation in Circular Renewables
The session concluded with a call for global cooperation to establish international standards for material recovery, sustainable resource management, and circular supply chains. Research and innovation are crucial to developing high-value material recovery solutions and reducing dependency on critical resources. By fostering collaboration, integrating advanced technologies, and enhancing data frameworks, the transition to circular economy practices in renewable energy can be achieved.
For more detailed information please dowload our pdf Quick read summary: Session 6 Accelerating Circular Renewables
