AGL Energy has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Solar Recovery Corporation (SRC) for a feasibility study on a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel materials recovery plant as part of its commitment to converting AGL Loy Yang into the Latrobe Valley Energy Hub.
SRC will be the first manufacturing supply chain company to investigate being a part of the site transformation, which will also involve AGL’s plans to deploy a grid-scale battery.
AGL believes that reusing valuable materials will be critical to the creation of a circular economy and that the Latrobe Valley Energy Hub is a perfect location to investigate this possibility.
The feasibility study will look into constructing a plant at AGL’s Latrobe Valley Energy Hub to remanufacture end-of-life solar panels. The research will also look into training and job options for the local community in order to develop the new skill sets needed for the future energy and industrial industries.
According to AGL Energy Chief Operating Officer Markus Brokhof, the agreement is a vital first step in converting AGL Loy Yang into an industrial renewable Energy Hub in the Latrobe Valley, as well as in keeping with our objective to develop a circular economy at AGL facilities.
“In one of the most significant decarbonisation initiatives in Australia, AGL has set an ambitious and accelerated path to decarbonisation – exiting coal fired generation up to a decade earlier by mid-2035, looking to develop 12 GW of renewable and firming capacity by 2036 and repurposing our sites into industrial hubs. It’s clear that the world is changing, and so is AGL,” Brokhof stated.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the Solar Recovery Corporation to build a recycling facility at our Loy Yang site. AGL will also recycle our end-of-life solar panels at the company’s facilities as we work together to achieve a lower carbon future and build a circular economy,” Brokhof added.
SRC Chairman Rob Gell AM stated that the signing of the MOU demonstrates that SRC is eager to extend operations to other locations in Australia.
“We’re excited to be exploring the opportunity to set up a facility that will recover valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels and to potentially be the first manufacturer to be part of AGL’s Latrobe Valley Energy Hub,” Gell said.
“SRC was founded as part of a circular solution for end-of-life solar PV panels and to repurpose the materials for manufacturing industries. It feels fitting that we are working with AGL as part of their ambition to reimagine the end-of-site transformation of AGL Loy Yang into a cleaner low carbon hub,” Gell added.
AGL is committed to repurposing historic thermal sites in the Hunter, Torrens Island, and Latrobe Valley into industrial renewable energy hubs to boost regional economic activity and provide local job opportunities as part of its Climate Transition Action Plan.
