_{Recycling of waste solar panels from the Neoenergia plant Luzia avoids the emission of 26 tons of CO2}

Committed to sustainable development in the country, Neoenergia recycled more than 34 tons of photovoltaic modules, resulting from the installation of Neoenergia Luzia, a solar complex located in Paraíba. The initiative follows the principles of circular economy, with almost 82% of the components of the plates recycled, which allowed raw materials, such as aluminum and glass, to return to the production chain of their

With this, Neoenergia helped to avoid the emission of 26 tons of _CO2, equivalent to the average absorption capacity of 1,450 trees over their life cycle. The company also prevented the disposal of 98 m³ of the materials in landfills, a quantity corresponding to 98

“By investing in material recycling and reuse solutions, Neoenergia reaffirms its commitment to the circular economy. In addition to reducing environmental impacts, the initiative strengthens the company's sustainable development practice while encouraging the development of a more efficient and responsible production model for the energy sector,” says Daniel Daibert, Superintendent of Environment and

Internal culture of innovation

The executive reveals that recycling was proposed in an internal Neoenergia program that encourages a culture of innovation. That's when a group of collaborators realized the importance of caring for structures discarded after the solar plants were implanted. Estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveal that more than 78 million tons of photovoltaic modules will be discarded by 2050. “This reality encouraged these employees to create a solution making the production process even more sustainable and generating value for the entire sector and for society,” adds Daniel Daibert.

Four-phase action

The recycling process was divided into four stages: collection, transportation, processing, and destination. The action was supported by SunR, a company specialized in the reconditioning of photovoltaic systems and plants. “Our partnership for the correct destination of the modules is an example of innovation and commitment to sustainability, paving the way for a future in which the energy transition is also synonymous with the circular economy”, concludes Leonardo Duarte CEO and founder of

Neoenergia Luzia has an installed capacity of 149.3 MWp, enough energy to supply more than 100,000 homes. The location of the photovoltaic plants aims to enhance the operational synergy of the company's business. The solar park is part of the Neoenergia Renewable Complex, which combines the generation of wind and solar energy from Neoenergia Chafariz and Neoenergia Luzia, respectively. The parks are connected to the National Interconnected System (SIN) by the Neoenergia Santa Luzia II substation and the respective transmission line.