Lotus Energy to Build a $250 Million Solar Recycling Facility in Saxony, Germany

Credit: Lotus Energy Recycling

Lotus Energy Recycling (LER), an Australia-based photovoltaic (PV) solar cell and panel recycling company, has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art $250 million solar module recycling facility in Saxony, Germany, marking a significant step toward advancing sustainable energy. Lotus Energy shared the project announcement on LinkedIn, stating that the facility, covering 24,000 square meters, will meet the growing demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) recycling and contribute to the development of the circular economy.

According to Lotus Energy, this innovative project will be supported by Invest Region Leipzig (supported by the German Federal Government and the State of Saxony). The facility’s design will feature a green roof, an integrated rail link, and more than 2MW of solar power. Additionally, the facility will incorporate biodiversity preservation measures, such as the establishment of beehives and the planting of native plants, with the goal of achieving net-zero operations, further demonstrating Lotus Energy’s commitment to sustainability.

The project’s design will be led by Mark Shouman, with inspiration drawn from sustainability advocate Joost Bakker, Lotus Energy says.The facility will meet the massive demand for solar PV recycling, setting a new global standard for sustainable innovation.

While detailed specifications of the facility are yet to be fully disclosed, Lotus Energy has stated that more information will be revealed as construction progresses. The company’s first solar module recycling plant in Australia became operational in 2021, and the expansion into Saxony further solidifies Lotus Energy’s leadership in the global solar recycling industry.

Looking ahead, Lotus Energy plans to expand its business in North America. In late 2024, Lotus Energy extended its partnership with Neo Battery Materials—a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries—to develop a Recycling facility in Canada. This facility will focus on extracting and supplying nano-silicon and other crucial commodities to support the development of Neo Battery Materials’ silicon anodes and explore opportunities in silicon recycling.

This groundbreaking facility in Saxony is expected to play a crucial role in the global transition toward a greener and more circular economy. As Lotus Energy continues to expand its operations, it will remain at the forefront of the solar recycling revolution, contributing significantly to the sustainable future of the energy industry.