LIFE Project
LIFE SIRCULAR
An EU-funded project focused on industrial recycling solutions for silicon and silver from end-of-life photovoltaic panels.
Project facts at a glance
LIFE SIRCULAR runs from 2025 to 2028 and focuses on industrial recycling solutions for high-value material recovery from end-of-life PV panels.
Our Role
Circular Silicon as project partner
Circular Silicon Europe GmbH is an active project participant in LIFE SIRCULAR. Within the project framework, our contribution is centered on the industrialisation of silicon recovery routes for end-of-life photovoltaic materials.
The project also includes the optimisation of silicon laminate separation lines and the implementation of a silicon refining process at CSE premises.
Active participant
Part of the LIFE SIRCULAR consortium as an industrial project partner.
Industrial focus
Contribution to scalable silicon recovery from end-of-life PV materials.
Implementation at CSE
Separation line optimisation and silicon refining process implementation.
What this project is expected to change
The project is expected to validate industrial-scale recycling technology and deliver measurable material, environmental and circularity benefits.
PV laminates, granulates and flakes recycled
Silver recovered from high-silicon-content material
CO₂-equivalent emissions reduced
Industrial validation
Validation of new technology for high-purity silicon and silver recovery at industrial scale.
Recovered silicon fractions
Expected recovery of 1,500 tonnes of low-purity silicon and 300 tonnes of high-purity silicon.
Additional recovered fractions
Expected recovery of 500 tonnes of CuAg and recycling of 450 tonnes of rough silicon.
Water savings
Expected reduction in water consumption of 500,000 cubic meters.
Energy savings
Expected reduction of energy consumption by 63.5 GWh.
Sector circularity
Proposed circularity indexes for the sector in line with ISO 59020:2024.