Swiss recycler Panatere has inaugurated the world’s first two solar furnaces dedicated to steel recycling in La Chaux-de-Fonds, marking a technological breakthrough in circular and low-carbon steel production.
By using 500 mirrors and a heliostat to concentrate sunlight, the furnaces can reach 2,000 °C and melt metals in just 1.5 hours, producing zero carbon emissions.
Switzerland imports ~140,000 mt of stainless steel annually, including 15,800 mt for watchmaking. Panatere’s solar project aims to localize scrap processing and reduce import dependence.
By 2028, the plant aims to produce 1,000 mt of “solar steel” per year, supplying local industries like watchmaking and medical manufacturing, while creating new regional jobs.
The project is supported by the Federal Office for the Environment, several cantons, SIG, the Swiss Climate Foundation, and Energy Lab. The first solar steel bar will be exhibited at the International Watch Museum.
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