Introducing FORESi

The FORESi project, an ambitious EU-funded initiative, is working to establish a sustainable and circular silicon value chain in Europe.

Launched in January 2024, FORESi aims to pioneer the world's first industrial demonstration of cradle-to-cradle recycling of silicon, turning end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) panels into new PV and electric vehicle (EV) battery applications. This groundbreaking project is vital for Europe's energy sovereignty, reducing dependency on non-European silicon suppliers, and promoting sustainability.

FORESi's mission includes demonstrating the technical, economic, and environmental viability of a comprehensive recycling process, designing an optimized turnkey recycling factory, and setting new standards for PV module collection, reuse, and repair across Europe. By integrating innovative technologies at every stage of the recycling value chain—from dismantling and silicon extraction to purification and new production - FORESi targets a 95% recovery rate of materials from EoL PV panels.

Clustering activities with APOLLO enhance knowledge exchange, foster innovation, and ensure that the developed technologies can be scaled and implemented across Europe. This collaboration is a key step toward a more resilient, sustainable, and circular European PV industry, contributing to the region's energy independence and environmental goals.