More than 200 guests gathered at PANATERE’s La Chaux-de-Fonds site to witness this milestone in circular manufacturing. The new technology combines concentrated solar energy with recycled raw materials to produce fully recycled, traceable, and competitive stainless steels and copper alloys — all with a near-zero carbon footprint.

30 kW large-scale solar furnace — Featuring a 137 m² heliostat and a 9.8 m concentrator, this system reaches temperatures up to 1,700 °C. It can melt between 50 and 100 kg of steel in a single batch, depending on the alloy, using an automated solar tracking system.

5 kW compact solar furnace — Designed for urban and local applications, this unit reaches 2,000 °C for rapid melting of small steel quantities.

Both furnaces integrate advanced safety features, including weather sensors, automatic shutters, and emergency stops, while specialized staff training ensures optimal operation

A high-level inauguration ceremony

 Before symbolically “unplugging the power cord” to mark the official opening, Raphaël Broye (CEO of PANATERE) passionately presented the project. He was joined by key speakers:

Ms. Ilinka Guyot, Municipal Councillor of La Chaux-de-Fonds, highlighted the role of circular economy and local value chains.

Mr. Laurent Favre, Neuchâtel State Councillor, emphasized the strategic importance of securing metal supplies for regional industries.

Mr. Gilles Flamant, Emeritus Research Director at CNRS and former head of the Odeillo solar furnace, discussed concentrated solar power as a tool for energy sovereignty.

Guests then explored the furnaces and participated in workshops on circular economy, recycling, and technological innovation, followed by a networking reception.