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Green technology

Marubeni Corporation and HAMADA Co., Ltd. Establish Rexia Corporation to Address Japan's Growing Solar Panel Waste Issue

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Japan's rapidly growing demand for solar power generation, driven by the introduction of the Feed-in-Tariffs (FIT) scheme, has led to a significant projected increase in solar panel waste by the mid-2030s. It is forecasted that approximately 800,000 tons of solar panels will be disposed of annually by then. To address this pressing issue, Marubeni Corporation and HAMADA Co., Ltd. have established Rexia Corporation, a new company that provides reuse and recycling services for used solar panels. Rexia aims to collect and recycle used solar panels, promoting a circular economy in Japan and mitigating the societal challenge of mass disposal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rexia Corporation, a joint venture between Marubeni Corporation and HAMADA Co., Ltd., has been established to provide reuse and recycling services for used solar panels in Japan.
  • The demand for solar power generation in Japan is growing rapidly, driven by the Feed-in-Tariffs (FIT) scheme, with cumulative installed capacity expected to increase from approximately 69 GW to 120 GW by 2030.
  • It is forecasted that approximately 800,000 tons of solar panels will be disposed of annually by the mid-2030s, raising concerns about mass disposal and the need for sustainable solutions.
  • Rexia purchases reusable solar panels through a performance inspection methodology and sells them under a product warranty scheme, providing defect liability insurance through a partnership with a major insurance company.
  • Rexia promotes the recycling of used solar panels unsuitable for reuse by separating their materials into glass, cell sheets, and other resources in cooperation with solar panel recycling companies throughout Japan.
  • Marubeni, Hamada, and Rexia aim to establish the mechanisms for a circular economy in Japan, addressing the societal challenge of mass disposal and promoting sustainable energy use.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 69 GW of solar power capacity was installed in Japan as of December 2022.
  • The cumulative installed capacity of solar power in Japan is expected to increase to approximately 120 GW by 2030.
  • Approximately 800,000 tons of solar panels will be disposed of annually by the mid-2030s.

Sources:

  • Original Press Release: July 18 -- Marubeni Corporation (https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2023/release/00076.html)

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