A soon-to-be-released draft of China's first energy law will focus on unifying administration of the sector. The draft has been distributed to government officials for comment and will soon be open to public comment as well.
The energy bill deals with major issues, like conservation, safety and technological innovation. Government agencies related to the energy sector will be streamlined to unify energy administration.
He Yongjian from State Energy Management Office said, "Take energy alternatives for example. China mainly depends on coal as its energy, but coal is not renewable, and burning coal can also lead to many environmental problems. By enacting the energy law, alternative strategies such as developing new energy and renewable energy will be specified in detail."
He Yongjian says the draft requires coal to be used in multiple ways. It also specifies uses of energy in rural areas.
He Yongjian said, "The government will provide preferential policies for the rural population to use wind and solar power, hydropower and methane where suitable."
The energy bill is expected to be submitted for review to the State Council early next year.
Editor: Zhang Ning
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Chinese firms mull silicon JV for solar production
SHANGHAI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - China's Baoding Tianwei Baobian Electric Co Ltd said on Wednesday it plans to jointly invest in projects worth a combined 4.9 billion yuan ($663.4 million) to make polysilicon products used in solar energy equipment.
Under a tentative plan, Tianwei Baobian plans to build two plants, each with an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, it said in a statement.
China is encouraging solar power production as part of efforts to boost renewable energy and cut its dependence on coal to fuel its booming economy.
Some Chinese solar companies such as Suntech Power Co and JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd have listed shares in the overseas stock markets. But tight silicon supplies have hampered panel production from small solar companies.
Tianwei plans to have a 51 percent stake in one of the polysilicon projects, with Sichuan Minjiang Hydropower Co Ltd taking a 14 percent stake and the Sichuan Provincial Investment Corp having the remaining 35 percent, the statement said.
In the other polysilicon project, Tianwei plans to take a 49 percent stake and another Sichuan-based company -- Leshan Electric Power Co Ltd -- plans to have a 51 percent interest, it said.
The projects require regulatory approval, it added.
Leshan Electric and Minjiang Hydropower issued similar statements about the silicon projects on Wednesday.
(Reporting by Charlie Zhu; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Under a tentative plan, Tianwei Baobian plans to build two plants, each with an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, it said in a statement.
China is encouraging solar power production as part of efforts to boost renewable energy and cut its dependence on coal to fuel its booming economy.
Some Chinese solar companies such as Suntech Power Co and JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd have listed shares in the overseas stock markets. But tight silicon supplies have hampered panel production from small solar companies.
Tianwei plans to have a 51 percent stake in one of the polysilicon projects, with Sichuan Minjiang Hydropower Co Ltd taking a 14 percent stake and the Sichuan Provincial Investment Corp having the remaining 35 percent, the statement said.
In the other polysilicon project, Tianwei plans to take a 49 percent stake and another Sichuan-based company -- Leshan Electric Power Co Ltd -- plans to have a 51 percent interest, it said.
The projects require regulatory approval, it added.
Leshan Electric and Minjiang Hydropower issued similar statements about the silicon projects on Wednesday.
(Reporting by Charlie Zhu; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Yingli Green Energy adds to polysilicon and ingot capacity
Yingli Green Energy has made further polysilicon supply procurements and furnace purchases in its bid to double production in 2008 from 200MW to 400MW in polysilicon ingots, wafers, PV cells and PV modules. A new polysilicon supply agreement with an unidentified supplier adds 40MW of PV modules over the life of three separate contracts, according to the company. Yingli currently expects the delivery of the polysilicon under the contracts to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2008.
"We are delighted to have entered into these contracts which we expect will further strengthen our polysilicon supply for the near future," said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Actively seeking to further establish and strengthen our strategic relationships with our suppliers has been one of our key strategic initiatives and we will continue to aggressively pursue this strategic initiative at a time global polysilicon supply remains tight." In a separate move, Yingli Green Energy has purchased multiple DSS450 furnaces from GT Solar. This is Yingli's fourth and largest order of GT Solar's DSS furnaces that grow multi-crystalline ingots up to 450kg, which is worth $56 million, according to GT Solar.GT Solar President and CEO Tom Zarrella said: "Their purchase of our new DSS 450 furnace will provide up to 80 percent more capacity per cycle and within the same footprint of our prior generation furnace. "Upon installation and ramp, Yingli said that its installed ingot capacity would reach approximately 600MW in 2009.
"We are delighted to have entered into these contracts which we expect will further strengthen our polysilicon supply for the near future," said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Actively seeking to further establish and strengthen our strategic relationships with our suppliers has been one of our key strategic initiatives and we will continue to aggressively pursue this strategic initiative at a time global polysilicon supply remains tight." In a separate move, Yingli Green Energy has purchased multiple DSS450 furnaces from GT Solar. This is Yingli's fourth and largest order of GT Solar's DSS furnaces that grow multi-crystalline ingots up to 450kg, which is worth $56 million, according to GT Solar.GT Solar President and CEO Tom Zarrella said: "Their purchase of our new DSS 450 furnace will provide up to 80 percent more capacity per cycle and within the same footprint of our prior generation furnace. "Upon installation and ramp, Yingli said that its installed ingot capacity would reach approximately 600MW in 2009.
Yingli Green Energy Announces Three Polysilicon Purchase Contracts
BAODING, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE:YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), one of the leading vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturers in China, today announced it has signed three polysilicon contracts with a leading polysilicon manufacturer. The total amount of polysilicon to be supplied under the contracts will allow Yingli Green Energy to produce over 40 MW of PV modules over the life of the contracts. The delivery schedule for the polysilicon under the contracts has not been finalized. Based on the discussions of the parties with respect to the contracts, the Company currently expects the delivery of the polysilicon under the contracts to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2008.
"We are delighted to have entered into these contracts which we expect will further strengthen our polysilicon supply for the near future," said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Actively seeking to further establish and strengthen our strategic relationships with our suppliers has been one of our key strategic initiatives and we will continue to aggressively pursue this strategic initiative at a time global polysilicon supply remains tight."
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the leading vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturers in China. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or those that operate on a stand-alone basis. With 200 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in China. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of the limited numbers of large-scale PV companies in China to have adopted vertical integration as its business model. Yingli Green Energy currently plans to gradually expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 400 MW by the end of 2008 and to 600 MW by the end of 2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, China and the United States.
"We are delighted to have entered into these contracts which we expect will further strengthen our polysilicon supply for the near future," said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Actively seeking to further establish and strengthen our strategic relationships with our suppliers has been one of our key strategic initiatives and we will continue to aggressively pursue this strategic initiative at a time global polysilicon supply remains tight."
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the leading vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturers in China. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or those that operate on a stand-alone basis. With 200 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in China. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of the limited numbers of large-scale PV companies in China to have adopted vertical integration as its business model. Yingli Green Energy currently plans to gradually expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 400 MW by the end of 2008 and to 600 MW by the end of 2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, China and the United States.
Hoku and Solarfun Sign $306 Million Polysilicon Supply Contract
Hoku Announces Plans for Phase II Polysilicon Plant
November 26, 2007: 08:30 AM EST
Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU), a diversified provider of clean energy products and technologies including polysilicon for the solar industry, and Solarfun Power Hong Kong Limited, a subsidiary of Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF), an established manufacturer of both photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, today announced the signing of a definitive contract for Hoku's sale and delivery of polysilicon to Solarfun over an eight-year period beginning in mid-2009.
Under the contract, up to approximately $306 million may be payable to Hoku during the eight-year period, subject to product deliveries and other conditions. The contract provides for the delivery of predetermined volumes of polysilicon each year, with the first shipment in the second half of 2009 and continuing over an eight-year period from the first shipment, at set prices that will decline throughout the term of the agreement. The contract also provides for an initial deposit of $10 million to Hoku on or before December 28, 2007, and requires that Solarfun make additional prepayments for products in the aggregate amount of $45, which are to be paid to Hoku in three installments: the first payment is due on September 30, 2008, and the final payment is due on March 31, 2010. The $45 million prepayment amount is to be placed in an escrow account by Solarfun, or secured by a letter of credit from Solarfun's bank, on or before January 10, 2008. Under the agreement, Hoku will grant to Solarfun a security interest in its polysilicon assets to secure Hoku's obligation to repay $55 million to Solarfun as a credit against product shipments over time.
"We are pleased to have established this relationship with Solarfun, a rising star in the solar industry," said Dustin Shindo, Chief Executive Officer of Hoku Scientific. "Their long-term strategic direction and their aggressive expansion plans make them an ideal partner for Hoku."
"Hoku has built a solid reputation as a leader among the new entrants in the polysilicon field and we are extremely confident in their ability to meet our long term polysilicon requirements," said Solarfun's Chairman Lu Yonghua. "This contract will help us realize our anticipated manufacturing cost advantages through our previously disclosed vertical integration and capacity expansion plans."
Hoku is in the process of building a polysilicon plant in Pocatello, Idaho that is being designed for annual production up to approximately 2,500 metric tons of polysilicon. Hoku is currently planning a Phase II expansion of the polysilicon plant to expand capacity beyond 2,500 metric tons. Hoku's customers, including SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., Global Expertise Wafer Division Ltd. -- a subsidiary of Solar-Fabrik AG -- and Solarfun, have collectively agreed to purchase approximately $1.5 billion in polysilicon over a seven to ten year period.
"Signing this contract with Solarfun is the first order we have accepted for Phase II of our polysilicon business, which will include additional production capacity in excess of the 2,500 metric tons of annual capacity that is included in our Phase I development," concluded Dustin Shindo. "The ultimate capacity of our Phase II expansion, in excess of the volumes we have committed to Solarfun, will be determined based on the total contracts we sign with other customers over the next several months."
About Hoku Scientific, Inc.
Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU) is a diversified clean energy technologies company with three business units: Hoku Materials, Hoku Solar and Hoku Fuel Cells. Hoku Materials plans to manufacture, market, and sell polysilicon for the solar market from its plant currently under construction in Pocatello, Idaho. Hoku Solar is a provider of turnkey photovoltaic systems in Hawaii. Hoku Fuel Cells has developed proprietary fuel cell membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for stationary and automotive proton exchange membrane fuel cells. For more information visit www.hokuscientific.com.
About Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
Solarfun Power Holdings Co, Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF) manufactures both PV cells and PV modules, provides PV cell processing services to convert silicon wafers into PV cells, and supplies solar system integration services in China. Solarfun produces both monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon cells and modules, and manufactures 100% of its modules with in-house produced PV cells. Solarfun sells its products both through third-party distributors, OEM manufacturers and directly to system integrators. Solarfun was founded in 2004 and its products have been certified to TUV and UL safety and quality standards. For more information visit www.solarfun.com.cn.
November 26, 2007: 08:30 AM EST
Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU), a diversified provider of clean energy products and technologies including polysilicon for the solar industry, and Solarfun Power Hong Kong Limited, a subsidiary of Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF), an established manufacturer of both photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, today announced the signing of a definitive contract for Hoku's sale and delivery of polysilicon to Solarfun over an eight-year period beginning in mid-2009.
Under the contract, up to approximately $306 million may be payable to Hoku during the eight-year period, subject to product deliveries and other conditions. The contract provides for the delivery of predetermined volumes of polysilicon each year, with the first shipment in the second half of 2009 and continuing over an eight-year period from the first shipment, at set prices that will decline throughout the term of the agreement. The contract also provides for an initial deposit of $10 million to Hoku on or before December 28, 2007, and requires that Solarfun make additional prepayments for products in the aggregate amount of $45, which are to be paid to Hoku in three installments: the first payment is due on September 30, 2008, and the final payment is due on March 31, 2010. The $45 million prepayment amount is to be placed in an escrow account by Solarfun, or secured by a letter of credit from Solarfun's bank, on or before January 10, 2008. Under the agreement, Hoku will grant to Solarfun a security interest in its polysilicon assets to secure Hoku's obligation to repay $55 million to Solarfun as a credit against product shipments over time.
"We are pleased to have established this relationship with Solarfun, a rising star in the solar industry," said Dustin Shindo, Chief Executive Officer of Hoku Scientific. "Their long-term strategic direction and their aggressive expansion plans make them an ideal partner for Hoku."
"Hoku has built a solid reputation as a leader among the new entrants in the polysilicon field and we are extremely confident in their ability to meet our long term polysilicon requirements," said Solarfun's Chairman Lu Yonghua. "This contract will help us realize our anticipated manufacturing cost advantages through our previously disclosed vertical integration and capacity expansion plans."
Hoku is in the process of building a polysilicon plant in Pocatello, Idaho that is being designed for annual production up to approximately 2,500 metric tons of polysilicon. Hoku is currently planning a Phase II expansion of the polysilicon plant to expand capacity beyond 2,500 metric tons. Hoku's customers, including SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., Global Expertise Wafer Division Ltd. -- a subsidiary of Solar-Fabrik AG -- and Solarfun, have collectively agreed to purchase approximately $1.5 billion in polysilicon over a seven to ten year period.
"Signing this contract with Solarfun is the first order we have accepted for Phase II of our polysilicon business, which will include additional production capacity in excess of the 2,500 metric tons of annual capacity that is included in our Phase I development," concluded Dustin Shindo. "The ultimate capacity of our Phase II expansion, in excess of the volumes we have committed to Solarfun, will be determined based on the total contracts we sign with other customers over the next several months."
About Hoku Scientific, Inc.
Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU) is a diversified clean energy technologies company with three business units: Hoku Materials, Hoku Solar and Hoku Fuel Cells. Hoku Materials plans to manufacture, market, and sell polysilicon for the solar market from its plant currently under construction in Pocatello, Idaho. Hoku Solar is a provider of turnkey photovoltaic systems in Hawaii. Hoku Fuel Cells has developed proprietary fuel cell membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for stationary and automotive proton exchange membrane fuel cells. For more information visit www.hokuscientific.com.
About Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
Solarfun Power Holdings Co, Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF) manufactures both PV cells and PV modules, provides PV cell processing services to convert silicon wafers into PV cells, and supplies solar system integration services in China. Solarfun produces both monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon cells and modules, and manufactures 100% of its modules with in-house produced PV cells. Solarfun sells its products both through third-party distributors, OEM manufacturers and directly to system integrators. Solarfun was founded in 2004 and its products have been certified to TUV and UL safety and quality standards. For more information visit www.solarfun.com.cn.
Canadian Solar signs $60M annual solar cell supply contract with Gintech Energy
November 26, 2007: 09:55 AM EST
NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ) Inc. Monday signed an annual solar cell supply contract for about $60 million with long-term supplier Gintech Energy Corp.Under the contract, Canadian Solar expects to receive total shipments between 17 megawatts and 22 megawatts, starting in January 2008.Canadian Solar has been using Taiwan-based solar cell manufacturer Gintech Energy since 2004.Shares of Canadian Solar, a Changshu Suzhou, China-based solar modular products company, were up 6.1% to $16.42.
NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ) Inc. Monday signed an annual solar cell supply contract for about $60 million with long-term supplier Gintech Energy Corp.Under the contract, Canadian Solar expects to receive total shipments between 17 megawatts and 22 megawatts, starting in January 2008.Canadian Solar has been using Taiwan-based solar cell manufacturer Gintech Energy since 2004.Shares of Canadian Solar, a Changshu Suzhou, China-based solar modular products company, were up 6.1% to $16.42.
Solar Power and Motech Solar to Arrange for 11 Megawatts of Cells in 2008
From http://www.tradingmarkets.com
Nov 26, 2007 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- Solar Power, Inc. (SPI) has made arrangements with Motech, one of the world's top 10 producers of solar cells, for Motech to reserve 11 megawatts of 6" multi-crystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells.
The cells will be used for the production of SPI's solar modules at the company's factory in Shenzhen, China. In addition to the 11 megawatts for 2008, SPI and Motech are in discussions to develop a long-term cell supply agreement to meet the growing demand for SPI's PV modules.
"Our arrangement with Motech is significant, as they are the recognized world leader in the production of the highest quality mono and multi-crystalline PV cells," said Steve Kircher, CEO Solar Power, Inc. "Our companies share a common philosophy with respect to our mutual commitment to high-quality and product innovation. For these reasons we are also pursuing a long-term supply agreement."
To date, Motech has been a primary supplier of cells for SPI. The new arrangement provides SPI with an additional supply of high-quality cells to meet anticipated production requirements of the company's 200 watt panels during 2008. "We are happy to be providing Solar Power, Inc. with cells for their high-quality PV modules," said Dr. Simon Tsuo, CEO of Motech Solar. "For us this is further indication of the growing US market and demand for photovoltaic products as the adoption of solar energy in all market segments gains momentum across the United States."
Nov 26, 2007 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- Solar Power, Inc. (SPI) has made arrangements with Motech, one of the world's top 10 producers of solar cells, for Motech to reserve 11 megawatts of 6" multi-crystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells.
The cells will be used for the production of SPI's solar modules at the company's factory in Shenzhen, China. In addition to the 11 megawatts for 2008, SPI and Motech are in discussions to develop a long-term cell supply agreement to meet the growing demand for SPI's PV modules.
"Our arrangement with Motech is significant, as they are the recognized world leader in the production of the highest quality mono and multi-crystalline PV cells," said Steve Kircher, CEO Solar Power, Inc. "Our companies share a common philosophy with respect to our mutual commitment to high-quality and product innovation. For these reasons we are also pursuing a long-term supply agreement."
To date, Motech has been a primary supplier of cells for SPI. The new arrangement provides SPI with an additional supply of high-quality cells to meet anticipated production requirements of the company's 200 watt panels during 2008. "We are happy to be providing Solar Power, Inc. with cells for their high-quality PV modules," said Dr. Simon Tsuo, CEO of Motech Solar. "For us this is further indication of the growing US market and demand for photovoltaic products as the adoption of solar energy in all market segments gains momentum across the United States."
Motech announces solar cell investment in China
Nov 26, 2007
Motech Industries posted a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) announcing its investment in solar cell production in China. In the November 23 filing, Motech announced an investment of US$3.7 million for solar cell production in Suzhou, China. Company spokesperson Chia-chi Chen was cited by a Chinese-language Commercial Times report as saying that
China-made solar cells are not necessarily just targeting the domestic market and the company will maintain its focus in Europe and the US. source: DigiTimes
Motech Industries posted a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) announcing its investment in solar cell production in China. In the November 23 filing, Motech announced an investment of US$3.7 million for solar cell production in Suzhou, China. Company spokesperson Chia-chi Chen was cited by a Chinese-language Commercial Times report as saying that
China-made solar cells are not necessarily just targeting the domestic market and the company will maintain its focus in Europe and the US. source: DigiTimes
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