Swiss SME Panatere Launches World's First Solar Steel Furnaces
Panatere, a Swiss SME specialising in metal recycling, has made history by inaugurating the world's first solar furnaces in La Chaux-de-Fonds, canton Neuchâtel. This innovative project marks the first time solar energy is used to produce fully recycled steel, recycling metal waste locally instead of importing new steel.
The solar steel production project, supported by several institutional partners, aims for true circular sustainability. Panatere's furnace uses 500 concave mirrors and a heliostat to reach temperatures of up to 2,000°C, melting metals in just 1.5 hours with no CO2 emissions. This groundbreaking technology is set to revolutionise the steel industry.
The first solar steel bar produced will be exhibited at the International Watch Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, showcasing the potential of this innovative process. Panatere's goal is ambitious yet achievable: to recover 5% of the metals produced in Switzerland by 2028, producing 1,000 tonnes of solar steel per year.
With the inauguration of the world's first solar furnaces, Panatere has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future. By recycling metal waste locally, the company is reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to a circular economy. The support of various institutional partners reflects the importance of this innovative project in the fight against climate change.
