Abstract:
This article examines solar energy’s rapid growth and evolving
role in Ukraine, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by
the end-of-life management of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Despite only
actively developing over the past decade, solar energy accounts for over 5%
of Ukraine's total electricity generation, ranking it 8th in Europe for installed
PV capacity. The war in Ukraine has further underscored the importance of
solar energy for the country's energy security and resilience. However, with
the majority of PV capacity installed only recently and with a finite lifespan,
Ukraine will soon face significant volumes of decommissioned PV modules
requiring processing, utilization, or reuse. The article highlights the urgency
of developing a robust PV module recycling sector, as current practices
involve landfilling most components. A comprehensive analysis of
Ukraine's PV module park, conducted as part of the EU-funded Retrieve
project, represents a crucial first step towards effective PV waste
management, aligning with Ukraine's energy strategy and commitments
under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
