Wales is committed to developing a leading circular economy hub and hopes to learn from China’s advanced experience in recycling wind turbines, photovoltaic modules and power batteries. At the special invitation of the International Renewable Energy Equipment Recycling Association, a delegation of leading Chinese enterprises embarked on a one-week in-depth industrial research tour across Wales. Centered on recycling technologies, relevant policies and commercial models for wind power, photovoltaic and power battery sectors, this research trip marks tangible progress in practical China-UK cooperation on green circular economy.

The delegation held meetings with the International Investment and Innovation Division of the Welsh Government. Welsh officials elaborated on the framework of the Welsh Circular Economy Strategy and its target to become a Zero Waste Nation, especially regulatory requirements for wind turbine blades, PV modules and power batteries, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and industrial incentive policies. Both sides conducted thorough discussions on policy design concepts, standard system formulation and market cultivation mechanisms. The two parties also exchanged views on environmental risk prevention and control for wind, solar and battery waste.

The team traveled to Cardiff and southern Wales, holding seminars with more than 20 institutions and enterprises including the Circular Economy Innovation Centre of Cardiff Metropolitan University, Associated British Ports (ABP) and CR Plus Carbon Resource Optimisation. They also conducted on-site inspections of the Port Talbot New Energy Industrial Park, systematically sorting out the UK’s policy frameworks, practical experience and cooperation opportunities covering circular economy, renewable equipment recycling and green energy industrial development.

This well-rounded research tour yielded fruitful outcomes and boosted two-way exchanges and mutual empowerment between Chinese and British governments and enterprises. As China hosts the world’s largest wind and PV markets and faces an upcoming wave of massive equipment decommissioning, establishing an efficient, eco-friendly and cost-effective recycling system has become critically important. We look forward to establishing long-term cooperation mechanisms with all sectors in Wales and the UK covering policy dialogue, technical collaboration, mutual recognition of standards and market matchmaking, to jointly address the global wave of retired renewable energy equipment.