ACEN Australia, Ayala Group’s renewable energy platform in Australia, has planned end-of-life recycling for nearly one million panels from its 520 MW (DC) Stubbo Solar project in New South Wales, marking the first large-scale initiative of its kind in the country. Stubbo Solar became the first project to meet independent circular-management standards and received CPVA Certified status with an “Exceeds” rating. The project began generating power this year and was scheduled for full commercial operation by late November under a 20-year service agreement secured in 2021. ACEN Australia said the certification aligned with its broader transition plans, while CPVA stated that the solar sector required circular decommissioning practices and market structures to enable large-scale recovery. The framework assessed planning, procurement, operations and decommissioning, including recycling and reuse pathways. It was developed through the Taronga HATCH Accelerator Program in 2024. ARENA estimated that Australia could generate more than 1 lac tons of solar-panel material annually by 2030. ACEN Australia has operated more than 1 GW and developed over 10 GW of projects, including capacity awarded in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone in 2025.