Inauguration of the Solar Furnaces
PANATERE officially inaugurated on October 3, 2025, the first two solar furnaces in Switzerland for the production of 100% recycled steel.
More than 200 guests gathered at the PANATERE site to attend the inauguration of Switzerland’s first solar furnaces, a world first serving the circular economy and sustainable reindustrialization.
The La Chaux-de-Fonds site now hosts:
– A large 30 kW solar furnace capable of reaching 1,700°C
– A smaller 5 kW solar furnace capable of reaching 2,000°C
Statement:
«For the Canton of Neuchâtel, this project represents a perfect alliance between solar research and a microtechnology industry striving to make its supply chains more sustainable.»
Laurent Favre – State Councillor, Canton of Neuchâtel
This project extends beyond technology; it is, above all, a human endeavor. It has taken shape through the commitment, passion, and perseverance of all those who believed in this vision — from the teams and industrial partners to the academic and institutional supporters, as well as the early friends who stood by us from the outset.
It is thanks to this collective strength and the trust we share that we are able to transform an idea into reality and give full meaning to our commitment to a more sustainable industry.
Statement:
«The circular economy is not just a slogan — it’s a paradigm shift; it’s about producing, consuming, and managing our resources differently. It’s about understanding that a metal doesn’t disappear when we no longer use it.»
Ilinka Guyot – Municipal Counc. of La Chaux-de-Fonds
