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China dominated the solar industry by slashing prices: Now its companies are suffocating and asking the government for a bailout

Written by Noel Budeguer
Published 23/09/2024 às 19:57
Solar energy - energy - renewable energy - China
The future of solar energy in China is at stake. With the crisis in the sector, the government seeks solutions to maintain global leadership

The future of solar energy in China is at stake. With the crisis in the sector, the government seeks solutions to maintain global leadership

After two decades of uninterrupted growth, the Chinese solar energy industry is experiencing a crisis. Many companies in the sector are losing money and some may end up closing, even with China alone dominating the world. global market and installing more capacity than any other country.

Too many solar panel factories

The production capacity of the Chinese solar sector has tripled in a short time. There are many factories producing solar panels and other photovoltaic components, which is causing a drop in prices and profits in the sector. Supply far exceeds demand, and projects equivalent to 70 gigawatts of solar capacity have already been cancelled.

The Ice Age of the photovoltaic sector

GCL Technology — China's second-largest solar company and one of the largest in the energy sector — asked the state for help. Its founder, Zhu Gongsha, claims that prices across the entire production chain (from silicon to photovoltaic modules) have fallen below costs, meaning companies are losing money on every sale. Zhu says China's solar industry has “entered its Ice Age” and needs state support.

Request for government intervention

China installs 60% of the world's renewable capacity, but rising tariffs in the United States and recent European Union investigations into alleged unfair subsidies from Beijing are affecting exports, which could be the last straw. The founder of GCL called for the Chinese government's urgent intervention to rescue the solar industry. Chinese companies dominate 80% of global production, and yet large manufacturers such as Longi and Trina Solar have begun to close production lines due to market conditions.

Beijing relief measures

The government's actions in the face of the crisis did not take long to appear. China will continue to invest in domestic solar installations and reduce industry fees to alleviate oversupply. However, the crisis is expected to persist at least until the end of the decade. An HSBC report suggests that the Chinese government is trying to maintain production volume, even with losses, to preserve jobs and meet the development objectives of its most advanced industries.

Impact of solar energy on China's future

Solar energy has been a key pillar in China's sustainable growth strategy. With increased production capacity and falling costs, China has managed to make solar energy a viable and economical option in many parts of the world. However, rapid growth has also brought significant challenges, such as the need to balance supply and demand and ensure the financial viability of companies in the sector.

The current crisis could be an opportunity for the Chinese solar sector to restructure and become more efficient. With government support, it is possible that companies will be able to overcome current challenges and continue leading the global transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Solar energy, with its limitless potential and positive environmental impact, will remain a crucial part of China's and the world's energy future.

The government's role in the recovery of the solar industry

Government intervention will be crucial to the recovery of China's solar industry. Measures such as subsidies, tax incentives and investments in research and development can help companies overcome the crisis and become more competitive. Additionally, the government can encourage international cooperation and the opening of new markets for Chinese solar products, mitigating the impact of foreign tariffs and investigations.

The future of solar energy in China will depend on the ability of the government and companies to adapt to new market realities. With strategic planning and adequate support, China can not only overcome the current crisis but also strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy.

The Chinese solar industry faces significant challenges, but with the right measures, it is possible to turn the crisis into an opportunity for growth and innovation. Solar energy will continue to play a vital role in sustainable development of China and the global fight against climate change. With government intervention and corporate resilience, China can emerge even stronger and consolidate its leading role in the global solar energy market.

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Noel Budeguer

Of Argentine nationality, I am a news writer and specialist in the field. I cover topics such as science, oil, gas, technology, the automotive industry, renewable energy and all trends in the job market.

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