From Niche to Norm: Developing and Scaling Reuse Practices for Photovoltaic Panels in Amsterdam
I.H.P. van Bruinessen (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
Jaco Quist – Mentor (TU Delft - Energy and Industry)
Tamara Metze – Mentor (TU Delft - Organisation & Governance)
S.B. de Vilder – Mentor
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Abstract
The growing threat of climate change has made transitioning to renewable energy sources essential, with solar photovoltaic (PV) technology crucial for reducing carbon emissions (NASA, 2020). Cities like Amsterdam are striving to meet ambitious climate goals, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050 (Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat, 2019). A key part of this strategy is expanding solar energy, with the city planning to install over 550 MW of solar capacity by 2030 (Halsema et al., 2023).
However, this growth brings a pressing issue: managing increasing volumes of PV panel waste. Many panels are discarded early due to repowering or perceived inefficiency, contributing to rising electronic waste (Späth et al., 2022). This research addresses the gap in sustainable end-of-life management for PV panels by focusing on scaling reuse practices. The objective is to explore how reuse strategies can reduce waste, extend the useful life of panels, and align with Amsterdam's broader circular economy and climate goals.
This thesis aims to answer: What are the enabling and barrier factors influencing the development and scaling of PV panel reuse practices in Amsterdam, and how can policy mixes address these factors? The study is guided by three sub-questions: (1) How do expectations, network formation, and learning processes influence the initial scaling of PV panel reuse practices in Amsterdam? (2) What barriers and opportunities exist within the recycling regime, and how do landscape factors affect the scalability of reuse practices? (3) What policy mixes can enhance the scaling of reuse practices for PV panels in Amsterdam? These questions offer a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and enablers to scaling PV panel reuse and identify key policy solutions....