Swiss Watchland to Host Solar Steel Recycling Revolution
A groundbreaking solar steel recycling project is set to take place in the Jura mountains, the heart of Swiss watchmaking and medical instrument companies. Led by Panatere, a specialist in metal recycling, the project aims to create a short supply chain, recycling steel within the border region of Switzerland and France.
The first prototype of the solar melting system, developed by 148 scientists and professionals, consists of a 140-square-metre heliostat and a 10-metre diameter dish that focuses sunlight onto a crucible. Panatere, under the guidance of CEO Raphael Broye, has been working on this project for a decade. The company has developed technology to withstand varying weather conditions, including wind, dust, and temperature fluctuations.
Panatere plans to continue testing with local companies before opening a factory in 2028. The company's ambitious goal is to produce 1,000 tonnes of recycled steel using solar energy annually. With increasing metal prices, Panatere sees an economic model for developing and implementing this project.
Panatere, a pioneer in sustainable resource management, is leading the way in solar steel recycling. By 2028, the company aims to produce 1,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually using solar energy, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of the steel industry.
