Senegal Launches Solar Recycling Initiative To Tackle Rising PV Waste

Senegal is taking important steps to manage future photovoltaic waste by launching a pilot initiative focused on recycling and recovering solar equipment. The National Agency for Renewable Energies, ENDA Energie, and the Polytechnic School of Thies have signed a partnership agreement to work together on building a national system for testing, certifying, and recycling solar technologies. This effort comes as the country prepares for a sharp increase in solar waste, which is expected to exceed 22,000 tonnes by 2040 due to rising installations across the country.

The partners plan to establish a dedicated laboratory to test solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, and batteries. The goal is to make sure that the equipment used in Senegal meets international standards and performs as expected. Better testing and certification are seen as key to improving the quality of solar systems installed throughout the country. Alongside this, a pilot recycling unit will be created to explore industrial solutions that are suitable for local conditions. This will help lay the foundation for a domestic value chain for solar waste recovery, ensuring that materials such as glass, metals, and electronic components can be reused rather than discarded.

The project also focuses on building human capacity through training, skill development, and support for new regulations and technical standards. By strengthening knowledge and improving oversight, Senegal hopes to create a circular model that keeps solar technology sustainable over the long term.

This initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader push to expand renewable energy and increase electricity access. The country aims for universal access by 2029, rising from the current level of around 84 percent. At the same time, Senegal plans to raise the share of renewables to 40 percent of its power mix and expand overall generation capacity by 2030. The NEA Kolda project in the south, which began construction in May 2025 and combines a 60 MW solar plant with a 72 MWh battery storage system, reflects the country’s commitment to cleaner and more reliable power solutions.