Circular Economy in Solar: Recycling PV Panels, Battery Repurposing & ESG

Dr. Nabih Cherradi is Desert Technologies' Chief Technology Officer. Has spent over 34 years building on a long track record of equipment's/production lines as well as business development in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. Prior to joining Desert Technologies, Nabih is also the CEO of EmpowerSun, a Swiss based photovoltaic energy consultancy, which he founded in 2009. In the meantime, he also co-founded ISWT a French solar developer company. From 2007-2009, as a Vice President/CTO, he accompanied Yingli Green Energy in its fast expansion with responsibility for the technology and manufacturing. He also participated in its IPO in New York (NYSE). As operations & process director at Applied Materials from 1997 to 2007 Nabih was responsible for installing turn-key semiconductor and photovoltaic production lines throughout the world, installing multiple GWs of production capacity across a ten year period. As a scientist, he focused on advance materials for different applications working with different industries (Semiconductor, Photovoltaic and Hard tools) He holds a PhD on materials sciences from the University Henri Poincaré, Nancy as well as an MBA, from the Business School of Nancy, (France).

Maria is an unwavering advocate for sustainability, harnessing her 22 years expertise in ESG frameworks to spearhead transformative change within industries like construction, real estate ,energy and the investment and services sectors. With an unwavering commitment to guiding cross-sector corporate clients and SMEs towards achieving net zero and ensuring social sustainability compliance, Maria is a driving force in the journey towards a greener future. As the visionary founder of "Sustainability Switch Consultancy," she has solidified her position as a leading woman solopreneur, empowering organizations to align their sustainability agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond her consultancy work, Maria actively contributes to the non-profit organization "Lean In Equity and Sustainability" as Board Co-Chair and Sustainability Chair, empowering women in the energy transition and advocating for a more inclusive industry. Maria's impressive academic background complements her extensive professional experience, as she holds both a UK Master's and Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and has acquired sustainability expertise from Cambridge University (CISL). Her 22-year international journey in corporate strategy and project operations includes the successful implementation of numerous large-scale projects and government initiatives, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader in her field. Recognized as an authority in the realm of sustainability, Maria is highly sought after as a keynote speaker at renowned conferences focusing on sustainability, ESG, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her captivating presence and deep knowledge inspire audiences while providing practical insights into tackling climate change challenges. Maria also conducts executive-level workshops, delving into various climate change subjects, empowering participants to take action and drive meaningful impact. Leveraging her wealth of expertise, she has published numerous articles that serve as beacons of knowledge, inspiring and educating others on the path to a sustainable future. As a thought leader, innovator, and influencer, Maria's contributions to cross sector industry decarbonization are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Her unwavering dedication, combined with her remarkable ability to connect with diverse audiences, makes her an indispensable voice in shaping the energy transition discourse.

Germain Castermans is a bioengineer specialised in environmental sciences, with cross-industry experience spanning pharmaceuticals, building materials, and the solar sector. He has held significant roles at GSK, where he contributed to site-level and corporate environmental management in a highly regulated pharmaceutical context, and at Etex, supporting sustainability and environmental risk management across industrial manufacturing sites and extractive activities. His work focused on translating regulatory requirements into practical operational measures, covering the full range of sustainability topics relevant to industrial operations, from environmental compliance and resource management to risk assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement.At PV CYCLE, he works on sustainability and regulatory affairs related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for photovoltaic panels, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. He also contributes to the development of a sustainability roadmap for the organisation, translating regulatory expectations and sustainability objectives into concrete priorities. His work supports circular economy approaches for solar panels, with a focus on end-of-life management and material recovery.