The Queensland Government announced a multi-million dollar investment aimed at bolstering Queensland’s renewable energy sector, specifically in solar panel recycling.
A substantial portion of the investment, totalling $2.5 million, is earmarked for a pioneering solar panel recycling pilot to ensure that thousands of solar panels installed on Queensland homes, businesses, and solar farms are recycled at the end of their lifecycle, facilitating the reuse of valuable parts.
By diverting these panels from landfills, the project not only promotes environmental sustainability but also cultivates opportunities for regional communities to benefit directly from renewable energy solutions, the government said in a media statement.
Moreover, the solar panel recovery pilot is poised to yield invaluable insights to inform the development of a national product stewardship scheme.
By identifying potential gaps in Queensland’s recovery and processing capacities, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more comprehensive and efficient approach to renewable energy infrastructure management.
Minister for Energy Mick de Brenni highlighted the significance of today’s announcement, emphasising its dual impact on saving solar panels from ending up in landfills and fostering job creation and economic growth in Queensland.
“Through its $1 billion solar panel manufacturing plan, the Albanese Government has provided the start of the line for solar panels, while today’s announcement by the Miles Government means we provide an end-of-life plan,” the minister noted.
He also commended the efforts of those spearheading innovation in the renewable energy sector, specifically acknowledging the Smart Energy Council for its role in proposing the program.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Leanne Linard underscored the role of solar panels in helping Queensland meet ambitious climate change targets and emphasised the positive impact on the state’s iconic natural environment.
“The solar panel recovery pilot will identify the best path forward in recycling solar panels once they have reached their end of life or have become damaged,” Linard remarked.
In a complementary move, nearly $3 million has been allocated to Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grants, distributed among key industry bodies such as the Smart Energy Council (SEC), the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC), and the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
These grants will facilitate the coordinated expansion of large-scale renewable energy projects across the state.
Funding will support initiatives ranging from solar panel recycling programs to landholder support projects, career fairs in regional areas, and community engagement efforts.
