Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (imec) Driving Circular Innovation in CLOSER
August 27, 2026
We’re pleased to highlight imec, a world-leading R&D center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Through its expertise in photovoltaics and sustainable semiconductor technologies, imec is helping advance circularity, resource efficiency, and sustainable innovation within the CLOSER Project.
Within CLOSER, imec contributes to several work packages:
WP2 – Regulatory assessment and continuous improvement
WP3 – Reuse processes for decommissioned PV systems
WP4 – Recovery and characterization of silicon-based materials from end-of-life PV panels
WP7 – Digital Product Passport integration, waste stream mapping, and sustainability analysis
Recent update
Over the past several years, the CLOSER project has made contributions to the development of IEC PAS 63525: “Reuse of PV Modules and Circular Economy”, a new international specification focused on the reuse of solar panels and the advancement of circular economy principles in the photovoltaic industry, with one of the three lead authors coming from project partner imec.
In June, the draft document was submitted to IEC national committees for voting. If approved, the standard is expected to be published in September or October, marking an important milestone for the reuse of photovoltaic modules and the promotion of circular economy practices in the solar sector.
This achievement highlights how CLOSER partners are not only developing innovative solutions but also contributing to the future standards that will support a more sustainable and circular energy industry.
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