What is the current state of the global sodium battery industry? Will it reshape the current market landscape dominated by lithium batteries?   Regaining Market Attention Sodium batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sodium ions (Na+) as charge carriers. They operate primarily by the movement of sodium ions between the positive and negative electrodes, functioning similarly to lithium batteries.   In reality, sodium batteries are not a novel concept. Research into sodium batteries began almost simultaneously with lithium batteries in the 1970s. However, development stalled due to constraints in research conditions and other factors. Meanwhile, lithium batteries rapidly gained traction, achieving comprehensive coverage across consumer electronics, computers, communication networks, electric vehicles, and other sectors.   The current surge in battery raw material prices is placing immense pressure on rapidly expanding power battery manufacturers. Data indicates that the spot price of lithium carbonate averages around 89,000 yuan per ton, representing a roughly 67% increase since the beginning of the year. Similarly, the spot price of lithium hydroxide averages approximately 89,500 yuan per ton, surging by 80% year-to-date. This price hike is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle and energy storage markets, which have fueled a sharp increase in demand.   Approximately 70% of the world's lithium resources are concentrated in South America, while China relies on imports for 80% of its lithium supply. To address this critical resource constraint, relevant companies are turning their attention to sodium batteries. It is understood that sodium batteries primarily use sodium salts as electrode materials, which are more abundant and less expensive than lithium salts. “Sodium chloride can't be hyped up because there's so much salt,” stated Zeng Yuqun.   Currently, about 20 companies worldwide are engaged in sodium battery R&D, including UK-based Faradion, Japan's Kishida Chemical, US firm Natron Energy, and China's Zhongke Haina, Sodium Innovation Energy, and Starry Sky Sodium Battery. In June 2018, Zhongke Haina launched China's first sodium battery-powered low-speed electric vehicle, marking a new chapter in sodium battery development.   Industrialization Faces Challenges Like Stability   “Sodium batteries can utilize existing lithium battery materials, cell production processes, and manufacturing equipment, presenting no significant bottlenecks for mass production,” Hu Yongsheng, a researcher at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, told reporters. Sodium batteries have gradually transitioned from laboratory research to practical applications. China currently leads globally in sodium battery product R&D, manufacturing, standardization, and market promotion, with the industry poised for commercial deployment.   So, will sodium batterie...

As 2026 begins, the three major foreign trade markets—the United States, Canada, and Europe—are experiencing a wave of policy changes. News of canceled export tax rebates, tariff reductions, and escalating cross-border tariff disputes has been rolling in. Let's take a look at what these new policies entail. U.S. Market: Export Tax Rebates Adjusted for Multiple Products The Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration recently announced that starting April 1, 2026, VAT export tax rebates will be eliminated for products including photovoltaic and ceramic goods. Battery products will have a transition period: from April 1 to December 31, the export tax rebate rate will decrease from 9% to 6%. Starting January 1, 2027, rebates will be fully eliminated. These adjustments may directly increase export costs for relevant products and are expected to trigger concentrated shipments to the U.S. market. For photovoltaic and ceramic products with existing orders, we recommend expediting logistics arrangements to avoid higher export costs after the policy takes effect on April 1. Battery exporters should seize the window before March 31 to arrange shipments and continue benefiting from the 9% export tax rebate rate.   Canada Line: Electric Vehicle Tariff Reduction Benefits On January 16, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during his visit to China, announced reduced import tariffs on certain Chinese electric vehicles. This adjustment allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter the Canadian market at a 6.1% Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rate. This tariff relaxation presents new opportunities for Chinese EV exporters to Canada. Relevant sellers should proactively arrange logistics and transportation to fully leverage this policy advantage, accelerate market expansion in Canada, and secure greater market share.   Europe Route: Escalating US-EU Tariff Trade Friction On January 17 local time, President Trump announced additional tariffs on eight European countries: Effective February 1, 2026, all goods exported to the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be subject to a 10% tariff. Effective June 1, the tariff rate will increase to 25% until European nations agree to the U.S. demand to “purchase Greenland.” This move has drawn strong opposition from Europe, escalating the tariff standoff between the U.S. and Europe. On the 18th, the U.S. Treasury Secretary publicly endorsed the policy, stating Europe would ultimately accept U.S. control over Greenland. Multiple European nations jointly condemned the U.S. actions and vowed retaliation. The EU is evaluating countermeasures, planning to impose tariffs on $93 billion worth of U.S. goods exported to Europe, potentially effective after February 6, while also considering freezing relevant U.S. market access.   While policy adjustments may trigger short-term market volatility, they also present...

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its World Energy Employment Report 2025, indicating that employment growth in the global energy sector has nearly doubled that of the overall global economy. The core driver behind this growth trajectory is the sustained expansion of energy infrastructure investment.   Data from the report shows that by the end of 2024, global energy sector employment had climbed to 76 million people, representing a net increase of over 5 million compared to 2019.   Among various energy segments, solar power emerged as the dominant force driving new job creation in the electricity sector, accounting for 40% of all new positions globally. The manufacturing of system equipment alone—including inverters, solar panels, generators, and batteries—has absorbed approximately 3.5 million workers.   Regionally, China remains the core employment market for solar energy, accounting for 60% of the global workforce in this sector. Europe, India, and other Asia-Pacific nations each contribute around 10% of total employment in this field.   In terms of job structure, the solar industry's workforce is highly concentrated in the “development and installation” segment, with about two-thirds of employees engaged in new project development and installation-related work. Among them, personnel responsible for installing solar projects in private residences and utility-scale solar fields account for 46%; while those employed in the manufacturing of core equipment such as polysilicon, wafers, cells, and modules account for 21%.

According to the US Solar Market Insight Q4 report jointly released by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the United States added 11.7 GW of new solar capacity in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 20% year-over-year increase and a significant 49% quarter-over-quarter surge.   By the end of Q3 2025, solar accounted for 58% of new grid-connected generation capacity nationwide, with cumulative installations surpassing 30GW. During the same period, solar and energy storage projects collectively contributed 85% of the nation's new generation capacity additions.   The report attributes this surge in installations to the concentrated release of backlogged projects. The report indicates that due to the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, numerous PV projects were forced to halt in the second quarter. This quarter, these projects concentrated on completing their final stages, becoming the core factor driving the significant surge in installation data. However, behind the market's fervor, the industry's “tightening constraints” have not eased. During the third quarter, issues such as PV module shortages, delivery delays, and labor shortages intensified, forming a clear constraint on the market's continued expansion.   Notably, domestic PV production capacity in the United States is accelerating its expansion. In the third quarter of 2025, the country added 4.7 GW of new solar module manufacturing capacity, bringing its total industry capacity to 60.1 GW. Additionally, the new wafer production line at Corning's Michigan facility commenced operations, signifying that the U.S. has now established a complete solar manufacturing supply chain covering core segments including polysilicon, ingots, wafers, cells, and modules. Even so, the actual output from these domestic factories remains insufficient to meet domestic market demand.   Installation details across various market segments are as follows:   Residential Solar Market: New installations in Q3 2025 reached 1,088 MWdc, down 4% year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter. Despite industry efforts to rush projects online to qualify for this year's tax credits, constrained equipment supply emerged as the primary factor limiting capacity growth.   Commercial Solar Market: New installations reached 554 MWdc, marking a 9% year-over-year increase but a 12% quarter-over-quarter decline. California's continued grid connection of projects under the Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM 2.0) program supported stable installation levels in the state, though policy-driven growth momentum showed signs of weakening this quarter.   Community Solar Market: New capacity added in Q3 reached 267 MWdc, down 21% year-over-year but up 12% quarter-over-quarter. New Mexico saw its first projects under a four-year-old support program officially connect to the grid this quarter.   Large-scale Ground-Mounted Market: New installations reached 9.7 GWdc, up 26%...

Recently, according to local Turkish media reports, Turkish solar cell manufacturer Alfa Solar and Astronergy Europe, a subsidiary of China's Chint Group, jointly announced the formal signing of a joint venture agreement. The two parties will establish an integrated silicon wafer and solar cell production base in Balıkesir Province, Turkey.   According to the statement, the project's initial annual production capacity target is set at 2.5GW, covering the full integrated production process of solar wafers and cells. The first-phase factory is expected to involve an investment of approximately $200 million and is planned to be located on a designated plot within the Balıkesir Organized Industrial Zone in Balıkesir Province, northwestern Turkey.   A supplementary statement released on Turkey's Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) indicates that upon completion of the planned equity transfer and capital increase procedures, Alfa Solar and Astronergy Europe will each hold a 50% stake in the joint venture.   It is reported that both parties have established core principles for the joint venture cooperation, though formal project commencement remains subject to approval from relevant regulatory authorities.   Public records indicate that Alfa Solar, established in 2011, specializes in photovoltaic module manufacturing and related new energy businesses, positioning itself as one of Turkey's leading enterprises in the solar sector. As a smart manufacturing enterprise under the Chint Group focused on photovoltaic cell and module production, Chint Solar is not only one of China's earliest private enterprises to enter the solar field but also among the industry's pioneers in achieving mass production of n-type TOPCon modules.

On October 28 local time, the PV2 field of the Mooiplaats 240 MW photovoltaic power station—South Africa's largest single-site solar plant—officially commenced operations. The project was constructed with participation from China Energy Engineering Group Gezhouba Power Company.   Located at the Mooiplaats Farm in South Africa's Northern Cape Province, the project primarily involved constructing a 240-megawatt photovoltaic power plant, building an accompanying step-up substation and a switchyard, and laying an 11.3-kilometer transmission line from the switchyard to the Koruson main substation.   Upon full operation, the project will generate approximately 360 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually. This will not only effectively alleviate South Africa's domestic power shortage but also significantly advance the transformation of the local energy and power structure, supporting the region's transition toward green and low-carbon development.

On October 30, China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC) successfully completed the handover of its first new energy investment project in South America—the Coremas Photovoltaic Project in Brazil. CEEC Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. (CEEC Overseas) formally became the project's controlling shareholder, assuming full responsibility for subsequent operational management. This milestone marks a crucial step forward for China Energy in South America's new energy investment sector, representing a major breakthrough in its overseas investment operations while injecting fresh momentum into China-Brazil green energy cooperation.   Located in Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil, the project boasts a total installed capacity of approximately 93 megawatts. With an annual average power generation of 167 million kilowatt-hours, it can meet the yearly electricity needs of over 80,000 local households. Its environmental benefits are substantial, equivalent to saving approximately 20,500 tons of standard coal annually. The project has also created nearly 100 local jobs, driving regional economic development while tangibly improving local livelihoods.   Following the completion of the transaction, CECEP International will steadily advance project upgrades and operational optimization. Through technological innovation and management enhancements, it aims to boost power generation efficiency and operational effectiveness, striving to establish the Coremas Photovoltaic Project as a benchmark green energy demonstration project in South America.   Moving forward, CECEP International will actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of China and Brazil. Guided by CECEP's “Four New Initiatives” strategy, it will deepen pragmatic cooperation with local governments, industry leaders, and financial institutions. This collaboration will advance deep integration between the two nations in clean energy and sustainable development, continuously injecting green momentum into China-Brazil cooperation.

At 17:24 local time on 22 October, the 65-megawatt photovoltaic project in Bacolod, Philippines, constructed by China Energy Engineering Group Anhui Electric Power Construction Second Engineering Co., Ltd., successfully completed reverse power transmission. All parameters remain stable, laying a solid foundation for subsequent grid connection.   To ensure the reverse power transfer succeeded at the first attempt, the project team meticulously planned and deployed targeted construction and commissioning schemes. Collaborating with the client and the main contractor, they completed the civil installation, electrical works, and commissioning for the substation and photovoltaic area ahead of schedule, while providing detailed technical and safety briefings to operational staff. During the reverse power transfer, on-site personnel worked with clear divisions of labour and close coordination. The entire power reception process was rigorous and orderly, with all system equipment operating stably under live conditions and parameters meeting regulatory requirements.   Located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Province, Philippines, this project marks BG Thailand's inaugural investment and operational venture in the Philippines. Construction commenced on 27 July 2024. Upon completion, the facility will generate 70 million kilowatt-hours annually, significantly alleviating local power shortages while providing robust impetus for the Philippines to optimise its energy structure and achieve carbon reduction targets.

On October 19 local time, the Abidos Phase II 1GW+600MWh photovoltaic-storage project in Egypt—contracted by China Energy Engineering Group International in consortium with Zhejiang Huodian and Southwest Institute—officially launched the comprehensive installation of photovoltaic modules. This marks accelerated progress toward the project's grid-connected power generation target.   As Africa's largest photovoltaic-storage project currently under construction, the initiative plans to install over 2 million high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon PV modules manufactured in China. The project team proactively planned and collaborated closely with the owner to expedite module shipments while conducting rigorous technical briefings on installation standards and safety protocols, laying a solid foundation for subsequent modular and high-efficiency construction. Currently, the project team is advancing multiple concurrent operations including site leveling for the PV area, pile foundation construction, and mounting structure installation. They are striving to achieve full-capacity grid connection, aiming to establish this project as a green energy cooperation benchmark under the Belt and Road Initiative and a model for regional energy transition.   Located in Egypt's southern desert, the project spans over 20 square kilometers and includes a 1GW PV plant, 600MWh energy storage, a 500kV substation, and related ancillary works. Upon grid connection, it will meet the electricity needs of over 500,000 households while reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1.56 million tons, providing crucial support for Egypt's green and low-carbon energy transition and socioeconomic development.

  It is understood that the Esmeralda 7 project is jointly developed by several well-known energy companies including NextEra Energy, Arevia Power, ConnectGen, and Invenergy. It is a large-scale energy project integrating solar power generation and energy storage. The project plans to construct 7 solar power plants with supporting energy storage systems, and its overall scale is extremely large — the planned land area reaches 185 square miles, which is close to the area of Las Vegas; the installed capacity of the project is as high as 6.2 gigawatts. According to the original plan, after completion, it could provide stable power supply to nearly 2 million households. Therefore, this project is also widely regarded as one of the largest under-construction solar energy projects in North America. It is worth mentioning that the permitting process of this project was officially initiated during the Biden administration and was once placed with high expectations of promoting the development of clean energy. ​ In August this year, a statement made by former US President Trump seemed to have already indicated the inevitable outcome of the Esmeralda 7 project. At that time, Trump posted publicly: "Any state that relies on wind turbines and solar energy for power supply is experiencing record-breaking increases in electricity bills and energy costs. This is the scam of the century! We will not approve wind power projects, nor will we approve solar energy projects that harm the interests of farmers." This statement, which clearly opposes solar energy projects, further confirms the inevitability of the termination of the "Esmeralda 7" (i.e., Esmeralda 7) project. ​ In fact, since taking office, Trump has continuously launched multiple rounds of attacks on the renewable energy sector. The "Great American Act" (Great American Act), which he strongly promoted, has directly revoked a number of preferential policies related to clean energy, including the early termination of clean energy tax credits and the cancellation of tax deductions for electric vehicle purchases. These policy adjustments have caused a significant impact on the development of the renewable energy industry. More notably, shortly before the Esmeralda 7 project was officially announced as cancelled, the U.S. Department of Energy also announced the termination of 223 energy projects, and the vast majority of these projects are related to the clean energy and renewable energy sectors. The cancellation of the Esmeralda 7 project is undoubtedly another important event in this series of tightening measures targeting the renewable energy sector.