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China Accelerates Development of New Energy Recycling Systems

Free News Reader  ·  August 16, 2026

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China Accelerates Development of New Energy Recycling Systems

  • China plans to establish a closed-loop system for waste from the wind and solar industries by 2030, with the resource recycling industry's output projected to reach 8 trillion yuan (about 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars) by that time.
  • The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released the 15th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development in July 2026, outlining key targets and measures.

Full Summary — powered by AI

China is moving to accelerate the creation of regulations for the recycling and reuse of wind and solar energy equipment, aiming for a comprehensive closed-loop waste system for the industry before 2030. This initiative is part of China’s broader 15th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development (2026-2030), which was released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in July 2026.

The planned system is intended to cover the entire supply chain of waste recovery and utilization, addressing current shortcomings in recycling waste from electric vehicle batteries, wind energy, and photovoltaic equipment. Officials from the NDRC have indicated that the goal is to optimize a circular economy system that encompasses production, consumption, recycling, and utilization. By 2030, the output value of China’s resource recycling industry is targeted to reach 8 trillion yuan (approximately 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars).

The new plan emphasizes moving beyond basic waste management to systemic upgrades, focusing on technological innovation, improved operational efficiency, and stronger governance. It aims to increase overall resource productivity by approximately 16% compared to 2025 levels and boost the annual comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste to about 4.5 billion tonnes. Additionally, the plan sets targets for the annual recycling volume of key renewable resources to reach 510 million tons. Efforts will also be made to strictly enforce regulations for scrapping electric vehicles and their batteries, and to crack down on illegal recycling and dismantling activities.