‘E-Magic’: Magnesium batteries for a post lithium age
The “E-Magic” research project is set to receive over €6.7 million from the EU Horizon project. The aim is to develop new batteries the are more powerful, cheaper and safer than lithium-ion ones; and it could pave the way for the establishment of a competitive battery cell production landscape in Europe.
Sipchen begins production of EVA films at 4,000 MT factory
The Saudi oil company has started manufacturing activities at its $40 million facility in the Hail Industrial City. The factory is being run by the group’s unit, Saudi Specialized Products Company (SSPC).
GCL-Poly plans to sell wafer unit, expects $77.6 million loss for first 10 months of 2018
After the failed attempt to sell a majoritry stake in its main polysilicon unit, Jiangsu Zhongneng, the Chinese solar manufacturer has now agreed to sell its wafer unit Suzhou Kezhun to Huajun Holding Group for US$123.6 million. The operation is part of the company’s plan to focus on wafer manufacturing based on the diamond-wire sawing technology and shift production to low-cost locations.
Midsummer picks up $7 million order for new CIGS factory in China
Sweden based CIGS equipment supplier Midsummer has received an order worth more than $7 million for its production equipment. The order was placed by U.S. based manufacturer Sunflare, for a new factory under construction in China.
New technologies move to the back
The tension between the cost cutting and performance boosting opportunities presented by new technologies and the tendency for risk aversion is never more evident than in PV module materials. This applies nowhere more than in backsheets, where new innovations are big on promise, but must convince manufacturers and the market of their long-term performance.
Now or never for the EU
The European solar industry is on its knees, but the EU appears willing to set a course for reconstruction. With SolarPower Europe and the European Solar Manufacturing Council, there are now two associations that are actively advancing a course for strong solar industrial policy among the EU bureaucrats in Brussels. The goals, however, are somewhat different.
The outlook is sunny for solar in 2019, according to Credit Suisse
Although the investment bank says large manufacturers will suffer from continuing panel price falls, developers will be able to take advantage and experts predict a resurgence in the global market next year.
2019 PV installations to hit 123 GW, global balance shifting, says IHS Markit
More predictions from IHS Markit reveal that 123 GW of solar PV installations are expected in 2019 – up 18% on the capacity additions expected this year. It also sees a market shift away from China, with two thirds of capacity located elsewhere. The overcapacity situation is also expected to ease.
Daqo relentlessly increases polysilicon output
Chinese polysilicon maker Daqo New Energy today announced it has raised its production capacity to 30,000 MT, with a further 5,000 to follow within six months, and 35,000 on top of that by the end of March 2020.
Wacker Chemie reaches agreement with Yingli over poly supply deals
If the German polysilicon manufacturer is the ‘Supplier A’ referred to in the Chinese panel maker’s annual report, Wacker has negotiated a near $33 million settlement from arbitration. As part of the settlement, Wacker will continue to supply its counterpart with poly up to 2028.
