The Pacific region has experienced rapid growth in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). While this transition supports climate resilience and energy security, it also presents emerging challenges related to the safe and sustainable disposal of end-of-life (EoL) renewable energy (RE) assets.
This 90-minute deep dive workshop will bring together stakeholders from Pacific member countries, regional organizations, and technical experts to discuss the current and future risks of RE waste management in the Pacific countries, share experiences, and explore opportunities and propose actionable strategy for regional collaboration in renewable energy recycling and disposal.
AGENDA
11:00 - 11:05 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Priyantha Wijayatunga, Senior Director, Energy Sector Office, Sectors Department 1, ADB
11:05 - 11:10 a.m.
Renewable Energy Growth and End-of-Life Challenges
Eun Young So, Energy Specialist, ADB
11:10 - 11:25 a.m.
Waste Management of Clean Energy Products in Hawai'i and Recommendations to Pacific Region
Leon Roose, Chief Technologist, Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
11:25 - 11:35 a.m.
Strategies and Solutions for End-of-Life EV Battery Disposal in Samoa
Sergio Quiros Navas, Regional Technical Advisor, UNDP
11:35 - 11:45 a.m.
Key Insights of Renewable Energy Recycling Regulatory Framework in the Pacific
Stewart Williams, Director, Marine Plastic Solutions/ Oceania Recycling Solutions
11:45 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Allison Woodruff, Principal Water Security Specialist, ADB
Keiko Koiso, Senior Procurement Specialist, ADB
Leon Roose, Chief Technologist, Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Stewart Williams, Director, Marine Plastic Solutions/ Oceania Recycling Solutions
Sergio Quiros Navas, Regional Technical Advisor, UNDP
12:25 - 12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Hideaki Iwasaki, Director General, Sectors Department 1, ADB
SPEAKERS
Priyantha Wijayatunga
Senior Director, Energy, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Stewart Williams
Director, Oceania Recycling Solutions/Marine Plastic Solutions
Leon Roose
Faculty, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii
Sergio Quiros Navas
Regional Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme
Allison Woodruff
Principal Water Security Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Hideaki Iwasaki
Director General, Sectors Department 1 (Energy and Transport Sectors), Asian Development Bank
Keiko Koiso
Senior Procurement Specialist, ADB