A new analysis by Responsible Energy Initiative (REI) Philippines shows that without clear management guidelines, waste from solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage systems is projected to reach 86 to 117 million tons in cumulative volume by 2075. Peak annual waste could reach between 3.3 and 5.8 million tons during this period.
Titled The Future Renewable Energy Waste in the Philippines, this is the country’s first material flow analysis (MFA) of the renewable energy sector. Preliminary estimates indicate that by 2050, cumulative waste will reach 28 to 35.5 million tons, with around three-quarters of that amount generated in the final 15 years of the timeline.
Dr. Joey Ocon, lead for circular renewable energy futures at REI Philippines, noted that these figures are initial projections. The full study is scheduled for official release in the second half of 2026.
Experts highlight that solar panels installed today will likely be retired between 2050 and 2055. This means policies, regulations and procurement rules regarding waste management are being developed at a critical time. The group emphasizes that the Philippines is still in the planning phase, making it possible to build circular systems from the start rather than addressing waste issues after volumes grow.
In related efforts, local renewable energy developer Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) has launched EcoLoop, an initiative that repurposes end-of-life materials into community infrastructure. As part of the pilot program, 20 decommissioned solar panels were converted into 14 community tables, set to be donated to Pasong Bangkal Elementary School in Bulacan. The project builds on the company’s earlier EcoShed program, which has transformed used solar components into waiting sheds and public facilities across host communities.
REI Philippines is a multi-stakeholder platform established in 2023 by Forum for the Future, an international sustainability non-profit, to guide a responsible energy transition in the country.
