Subsidy For 22.79 GW Chinese Solar Projects In 2019

• A total of 3,921 solar power plants in 22 provinces have made the cut for subsidies from the Chinese government for the year 2019
• The list comprises 366 large-scale projects and 3,555 distributed generation projects for industrial and commercial segment
• All these projects represent a total capacity of 22.79 GW but can claim subsidy only after completion and grid connection

China's National Energy Administration (NEA) has selected 3,921 solar power projects representing 22.79 GW of capacity in 22 provinces that are eligible for subsidies this year.

These include 366 large-scale projects and 3,555 distributed generation projects for the industrial and commercial segment. The awarded projects are now eligible for government subsidies worth RMB 1.7 billion ($247 million).

However, the caveat is that the projects will be able to claim subsidies only post completion and grid connection. Projects will be given 2 extra quarters to achieve grid connection post the quarter in which they committed to completing the project, its subsidy will be cancelled.

The list of selected projects is available on the NEA website.

In April 2019, NEA announced RMB 3 billion ($448 million) in subsidies for solar in 2019, divided between traditional projects with RMB 2.25 billion ($335 million) and residential systems securing RMB 750 million ($111.8 million) (see China Issues Draft Policy For Solar/Wind Projects).

According to Reuters, the Chinese government has planned for close to 50 GW of centralized, rooftop and poverty alleviation solar power projects, out of which 40 GW to 45 GW is expected to be completed and start generating electricity by the end of 2019.  

In May 2019, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China approved the first batch of 'subsidy free' projects – 20.76 GW of combined solar and wind power capacity of which solar won the larger share – 14.78 GW (see China Approves 20.76 GW Subsidy-Free RE Capacity).