China

China was the global leader in 2017 clean energy investment, says a new report. On the solar front, the country accounts for 60% of all cell production; and will continue to lead installation developments for at least the next five years. New 2020 targets are expected to be set. In the battery arena, Chinese companies are also set to dominate.

Tier-1 Chinese solar company trains sights on greater cost optimization and higher efficiencies with half-cell and bifacial technologies as it assesses capacity expansions for 2018 following a strong Q3 that saw the firm retain its shipment leadership position.

According to a newly released forecast by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, China is likely to install up to 54 GW of solar PV before the year is out, surpassing previous expectations.

The Singapore-based renewable energy developer has agreed to be sold to investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners. China Investment Corp, Canada’s PSP Investments and other co-investors are also involved in the deal, which is the largest yet seen for the renewable energy industry.

Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE CalLab has confirmed that China’s Longi Green Energy Technology has achieved a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells.

According to the latest briefing from Asia Europe Clean Energy Consultants (AECEA), China is likely to install more than 50 GW of PV in 2017, a second consecutive record breaking year for the world’s leading market.

Three of Taiwan’s largest solar cell and module manufacturers – Gintech, Neo Solar Power and Solartech – will suspend common stock transactions next week, prompting rumors that a merger between the three firms could be on the cards.