ISMC Participates in the Sustainable Solar EU Event, Sharing Its Vision on Sustainable Solar Technology
Last week, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) took part in Sustainable Solar EU, a key event in Brussels focused on the future of sustainable solar energy. Representing ISMC, Francisco J. Luque-Ruiz joined a panel discussion titled “The Role of Innovation in Shaping a Sustainable Solar Industry”, where he outlined the main challenges in developing sustainable solar technologies and highlighted the progress of the RESiLEX project.
During his intervention, Luque-Ruiz specifically addressed the role of critical raw materials such as silicon, as well as other essential components in the photovoltaic (PV) value chain. These materials are fundamental to the energy transition and to building a greener, more efficient solar industry.
The event also examined key legislative initiatives such as the Critical Raw Materials Act, which is helping to shape the future of the sector. Keynote speakers included European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, Patrick ten Brink from the European Environmental Bureau, and Daniel C. from DG GROW, who praised RESiLEX as a flagship Horizon Europe project integrating raw materials and solar energy. Alexis Barrou, R&D engineer at CSEM, also actively contributed to the session on sustainable end-of-life solutions for solar products.
The event reinforced the vital role of innovation and collaboration in ensuring a more sustainable future for the solar sector.

