Asia Report: Reacting to China's Goal of 49 GW of Renewables in 2013

By Renewable Energy World Editors
January 22, 2013 

 

New Hampshire, USA -- Information coming out of China about its renewable energy plans, and prospects for both domestic and international suppliers hoping to continue riding one of the world's most optimistic growth markets, have commanded headlines in the early weeks of 2013.

China plans to add 49 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in 2013: 21 GW of hydropower, 18 GW of wind, and 10 GW of solar, according to its National Energy Administration [here's the PR in Chinese, and here's a Googlized English translation].

Domestic solar panel makers are optimistic. Trina Solar recently said shipments will surge 30 percent in 2013, and Jinko Solar expects a 20-30 percent jump in shipments, on hopes that global demand is rising — gains in Asia (most notably domestically in China), plus regions including the U.S. and Asia, should offset declines in Europe — and price decreases could slow or cease later this year. Yingli Green Energy, which topped a record 2.2 GW in shipments in 2012, enters 2013 with expectations of downstream expansion.

Investors quickly responded with renewed interest in the battered sector; Suntech and LDK saw an upswell of investor support. Underlying concerns remain, though, about the financial viability of domestic solar manufacturers in a severely and government-fed market.

IN THE NEWS

Solar Frontier, DBJ Seek Utility-Scale Solar Investments: Solar Frontier and the Development Bank of Japan have agreed to establish a joint investment company to develop power plants for utilities as an independent power producer (IPP). The firm has a goal of developing 100 megawatts (MW) per year. Solar Frontier will have a 60 percent stake in the new firm, which will also look at other potential projects that haven't established partnerships for power production or financing, including those under 2 MW in size for which funding can be harder to come by.