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Partnered with the Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy (PRCEE) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), NRDC co-organized a workshop on July 2 on the environmental impacts associated with the development and operation of renewable energy, especially the recycling of decommissioned wind and solar equipment. The event is one of our climate governance roundtables to discuss cross-cutting issues that requires research and coordination among different departments and stakeholders. 

Experts from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), along with researchers from research institutions and renewable energy enterprises attended the workshop. The participants reviewed typical environmental impacts of renewable energy, which can contribute to disturbing communities, wildlands and wildlife. For example, wind turbines can pose a threat to birds and large solar farms can require significant amounts of land. The experts suggested that lifecycle green management, including component manufacturing, construction, operation, and recycling, is crucial for a healthy and sustainable development of renewable energy. 

The recommendations of the workshop will be shared with MEE by PRCEE, which will serve as a reference to the revision of the Renewable Energy Law.