Utilizing Surplus Renewable Energy for Hydrogen Produc tion in the Recycling of Precious Metals from Electron ic Waste – An Implementation Project Aligned w ith the EU Green Economy Strategy

Utilizing Surplus Renewable Energy for Hydrogen Production in the Recycling of Precious Metals from Electronic Waste – An Implementation Project Aligned with the EU Green Economy Strategy

Abstract

This project envisions the creation of one million micro-smelting installations powered by surplus solar energy for hydrogen production, which will be used to recover precious metals (Au, Ag, Pd, Pt) from electronic waste. During peak renewable energy generation hours in Europe, approximately 100 TWh of "waste energy" is produced annually—energy that can be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis. Hydrogen and oxygen are then utilized in high-temperature gas burners (combustion temperature: 2800°C) to melt granulated e-waste, allowing for gravitational separation of metals.

The system is decentralized, relying on privately owned, solar-powered micro-furnaces, reducing dependency on imported raw materials, lowering CO₂ emissions compared to traditional smelting, and creating new employment opportunities in the recycling sector.