Trina Solar unveils Agri-PV project in Japan
Solar module and ESS maker Trina Solar has launched a new agrivoltaics (agri-PV) project in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The project, developed by Trina Solar's International System Business Unit, showcases the integration of solar energy production with agricultural activities. A total of 3,392 ultra-high power Vertex N 720W modules have been used in the project, capable of generating 2,700 MWh of clean energy annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 1,760 tons each year.
The shade provided by the modules of the Agri-PV system reduces soil moisture evaporation, which in turn supports the cultivation of Japanese yam beneath the solar panels. Trina Solar says its “PV+” model, which optimizes land use by allowing agricultural machinery to operate beneath the panels, demonstrates a sustainable approach to land use. Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and this project aligns with its goal, says Trina. It says further that the project highlights the potential of agrivoltaics in the areas of renewable energy production and agricultural productivity.
Recently, Trina Solar’s Yiwu manufacturing base has received a 4-star Zero-Carbon Factory (Type I) certification for 2023 (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
LONGi signs agreement for 400,000-ton green methanol plant
LONGi has announced that it has signed an agreement with the government of Urat Rear Banner in Inner Mongolia to establish an integrated facility to produce 400,000 tons of green methanol per year. The facility will leverage wind, solar, hydrogen, and energy storage technologies. The project is expected to involve an investment of RMB 6.97 billion ($971 million) and will include the construction of a 1.05 GW wind and solar power generation facility, along with supporting energy storage infrastructure with a capacity of 157.5 MW/315 MWh. The renewable energy generated by this project will be used to produce 54,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, which will be directly utilized to synthesize 400,000 tons of green methanol. The project is scheduled to commence construction in 2025 and begin operations in 2026.
Last week, LONGi announced a collaboration with Chinese communications service provider ZTE Corporation, to develop the solar project at ZTE Industrial Park in Xi'an (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
Grand Sunergy plans to set up 5 GW HJT module manufacturing plant
According to a public announcement on the Laizhou government website, Grand Sunergy is planning to build a 5 GW high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) solar module manufacturing facility in Shahe Town, Laizhou City of Yantai City, Shandong Province. To be constructed in 3 phases, the company plans to invest about RMB 1.58 billion ($222 million) in this facility. The first and second phases, with 1.25 GW of module production capacity each, are expected to be operational by the end of 2024 and mid-2025, respectively. The third phase, which will double the capacity to 5 GW, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
Grand Sunergy showcased its latest multiple-scenario HJT modules at the 17th SNEC PV+ event in Shanghai, China (see TaiyangNews’ coverage of the company at the event here).
Shanghai to launch 1 GW offshore PV project
The Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission has announced its plans to develop offshore photovoltaic (PV) project clusters with over 1 GW capacity in areas surrounding existing and under-construction offshore wind farms near Shanghai City. The announcement states that the first round of competitive bidding for a minimum capacity of 1 GW will commence in 2024. It states further that the first projects selected will be included in Shanghai’s annual renewable energy development plan, with guaranteed grid access and offtake by the city’s utility provider. It encourages investors to include an energy storage systems (ESS) component as well. The second round of bidding will take place in 2025, where investors will be required to pair new ESS with capacities not less than 20% of the PV capacity and a minimum rated charge-discharge duration of 2 hours. These storage systems can be built, co-built, or leased and must be completed and connected to the grid simultaneously with the offshore PV projects.
CSG's H1 2024 net profit down 17.58% YoY
Solar glass manufacturer CSG has reported H1 2024 revenues of RMB 8.08 billion ($1.13 billion), which is down 3.70% Year-on-Year (YoY). The company’s net profit for the period was RMB 733.11 million ($103 million), down 17.58% YoY. The company said that continued supply-demand mismatches in H1 2024 led to sharp price declines across the industry. This, coupled with the impact of international trade barriers, resulted in a cyclical adjustment phase for the sector. As of June 2024, CSG operated 9 solar rolled glass production kilns and supporting deep-processing facilities in China. Additionally, the company is constructing a 50,000-ton/year high-purity polysilicon project at its Qinghai base.
QW Solar H1 2024 revenues fall more than 79% YoY
Solar PV manufacturer QW Solar has reported a 79.16% YoY drop in its H1 2024 revenues of RMB 145 million ($20.35 million) compared to RMB 698 million ($97.98 million) in H1 2023. The company reported a net loss of RMB 47 million ($6.6 million) for the period, which was an improvement of 40.13% YoY from a net loss of RMB 78.52 million in H1 2023. The company cited the divestment of its rubber, plastic products and auto parts businesses for the drop in performance this quarter.