KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has urged the European Union to strengthen its e-SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) policies to  accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and address the pressing issue of aviation emissions.  As  a pioneer in the aviation industry,  KLM has made significant investments in modernizing its fleet and integrating SAF into its operations.   The airline emphasized the sustainability of its fuel sources,  ensuring that they do not contribute to deforestation or displace food production. KLM is one of the largest  purchasers of SAF,  actively supporting the transition to low-emission air travel and advocating for policy reforms through initiatives like  the SkyPower project.   Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines,  highlighted the importance of collaboration and outlined ten commitments for the Dutch aviation sector. e-SAF,  a synthetic jet fuel, holds the potential to enhance energy security, boost industrial competitiveness,  and drive innovation in clean technologies.   Despite the announcement of 30 projects, no final investment decisions have been made,  underscoring the need for policy support to spur investment and commercialization.  Industry leaders have  proposed five key policy interventions to accelerate the development of e-SAF.  The EU is well-positioned to  lead a global e-SAF revolution, with strategic policy interventions expected to stimulate investment,  scale up production, and solidify its leadership in sustainable aviation and clean technology innovation.   About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded in 1919,  is one of the world’s oldest airlines and a leader in sustainable aviation. Committed to reducing its environmental impact, KLM continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices to shape the future of air travel.

Solar frame producer Origami Solar has started commercial operations at its Arkansas, U.S. plant following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum.   The White House’s recent 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum falls under Section 232, which will take effect on March 12, 2025, and it could affect the solar industry as steel is primarily used for ground-mounted installations given its robustness and corrosion resistance. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective solution for mounting structures and frames.   At this time, Origami commissioned the first of many state-of-the-art automated module frame production lines at its Priefert Steel plant in Benton, Arkansas. It developed the plant in collaboration with Priefert Steel and automation partner DAC Robotics.   Gregg Patterson, CEO of Origami Solar, said: "Providing cost-effective steel module frames leverages the strong and ready American steel manufacturing industry, creates jobs, and enhances the security and reliability of the solar supply chain.   It claims that steel module frames have superior strength, a 90% lower carbon footprint, and fast domestic shipping in 1-2 days, eliminating the risks associated with weaker imported aluminum frames and riskier overseas supply chains that are subject to delays, geopolitical instability and tariffs.   From corner insertion to frame stacking, bundling and palletizing, the factory is highly automated because DAC's robotic automation simplifies the production process; it also integrates online final assembly and packaging, ensuring precision and eliminating waste.   It is reported that in August 2022, TECSI Solar tested Origami's steel frames and found that these steel frames are superior to aluminum frames in both stiffness and stability.

According to the 2024 "Self-generated and Self-used Photovoltaic Annual Report" of the Spanish Renewable Energy Enterprises Association (APPA Renovables), Spain's new self-generated and self-used photovoltaic installations in 2024 will be 1.431GW, a year-on-year decrease of 26.3%, and the cumulative installed capacity in this field will reach 8.58GW. In 2023, Spain's self-generated and self-used photovoltaics will increase by 1.94GW, while the increase in 2022 will be as high as 2.65GW, meaning the market has declined for two consecutive years.   In 2024, the new self-generated and self-used photovoltaic installations will mainly come from the industrial and commercial sectors, contributing 1.08 GW, while the residential sector will add 346 MW. By the end of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of industrial and commercial photovoltaics will reach 6.3 GW, and the cumulative installed capacity of residential photovoltaics will reach 2.28 GW.   From a regional perspective, Catalonia is the region with the most self-generated PV installed, with a total of 1.52GW; followed by Andalusia with 1.44GW and the Valencian Community with 1.2GW.   In addition, the country will add 155MWh of battery storage capacity in 2024.   Jon Macías, president of the Spanish Association of Renewable Energy Companies, believes that the main reasons for the decline include the end of the EU Next Generation program incentives and the decline in electricity prices after the energy crisis in recent years - although the cost of photovoltaic technology has fallen to a historic low.   The association warned that if this trend continues, Spain may not be able to achieve its 2030 self-generated PV installed capacity target of 19GW. The association called on the government to take measures, including simplifying administrative procedures, improving grid connection convenience, and providing at least 25% corporate or personal income tax exemptions to stimulate market growth.   According to the APPA Renovables report, to achieve the 2030 target, Spain needs to add 1.7 GW of self-generated PV installed capacity each year in the future.

In the past 48 hours, the global new energy storage sector has witnessed a series of significant developments, from technological breakthroughs to market dynamics, showcasing the industry's robust growth momentum. 1. Tesla's Shanghai Energy Storage Gigafactory Officially Begins Production, First Megapack Rolls Off the LineOn February 11, Tesla's Shanghai Energy Storage Gigafactory officially commenced operations in Shanghai's Lingang area, with the first ultra-large commercial electrochemical energy storage system, Megapack, successfully rolling off the production line. The factory covers 200,000 square meters and is planned to produce 10,000 energy storage systems annually. Tesla's energy system installations are expected to grow by over 50% year-on-year in 2025. This milestone marks Tesla's full expansion from new energy vehicles to the energy storage sector in China, leveraging Lingang's mature new energy industry chain to accelerate localized operations.Industry Significance: Tesla's mass production will further reduce the cost of energy storage systems, promote the widespread adoption of grid-scale energy storage projects globally, and provide supply chain collaboration opportunities for Chinese energy storage companies.2. Breakthroughs in Solid-State and Sodium-Ion Battery Technologies Accelerate Commercialization2025 is seen as a "watershed year" for new battery technologies:Solid-State Batteries: Energy density has exceeded 400 Wh/kg, with cycle life increased to 1,000 cycles. Companies like CATL and Toyota plan to launch vehicle-grade products, with Chinese firms accounting for 60% of global patent filings.Sodium-Ion Batteries: Mass production costs are 30%-40% lower than lithium iron phosphate batteries. China has established GWh-level production lines, with grid-scale energy storage penetration expected to exceed 15%.Industry Significance: Technological advancements will significantly reduce the levelized cost of storage (LCOS), driving long-duration energy storage and specialized applications, such as aviation and military scenarios.3. China Abolishes "Mandatory Energy Storage" Policy, Market-Oriented Mechanisms BeginOn February 9, China's National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration jointly issued a document clarifying that "energy storage configuration shall no longer be a prerequisite for new energy project approval," ending an eight-year "mandatory energy storage" policy. Previously, the utilization rate of new energy storage projects was less than 20%. The policy adjustment will promote the transition of energy storage projects to independent and shared models, enhancing revenue through market-oriented transa...

 [Washington News] China's Ministry of Finance today released the "2025 Tariff Adjustment Plan," which includes significant changes to import tariffs on new energy vehicles and related components. According to the new plan, import tariffs on key components such as power batteries and motor controllers will be reduced by an average of 5 percentage points, with some high-end materials eligible for zero tariffs. This policy has immediately sparked strong reactions in the US new energy industry.    US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm stated at a press conference held today: "China's tariff adjustment will bring major opportunities for US new energy companies. We anticipate this will create an annual export growth opportunity of over $10 billion for US new energy products."    Under the new tariff plan, starting January 1, 2025, import tariffs on lithium-ion batteries will be reduced from the current 8% to 5%, while high-end cathode materials will enjoy zero tariffs. Steve Gehl, Executive Director of the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), noted: "This adjustment will significantly enhance the competitiveness of US. battery material producers, with exports to China expected to increase by more than 30%."    US automakers such as Tesla and General Motors have already begun adjusting their supply chain strategies. Tesla announced plans to expand battery material production capacity at its Nevada Gigafactory to capitalize on opportunities in the Chinese market. General Motors, meanwhile, stated it will deepen cooperation with Chinese battery manufacturers.    However, US companies also face new challenges. The rapid rise of domestic Chinese energy companies is reshaping the competitive landscape. Data from 2024 shows that Chinese power battery companies now hold over 65% of the global market share, with clear advantages in technological innovation and cost control.    An analysis report released by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) indicates that China's tariff adjustments will accelerate the restructuring of the global new energy industry chain. It is projected that by 2026, bilateral trade in the new energy sector between China and the US will exceed $50 billion, representing a growth of more than 60% compared to 2023.    A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that this tariff adjustment is a concrete measure to fulfill China's WTO commitments and further open up to the world, aiming to promote international cooperation in the new energy industry and drive global energy transformation. Analysts believe this policy will help ease trade frictions between China and the U.S. in the new energy sector and create more favorable conditions for industrial cooperation between the two countries.

As of January 31, 2025, the total installed capacity of photovoltaic power in India was 100.33 GW, with 84.10 GW under construction and another 47.49 GW in the bidding process.   This achievement marks an important step for India towards realizing the ambitious target set by the Indian government of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.    The country's hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy projects are also advancing rapidly, with 64.67 GW under implementation and tendering, bringing the total number of solar and hybrid projects to 296.59 GW.    The Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India, Pralhad Joshi, stated: "The energy development journey of India over the past decade has been historic and inspiring. Initiatives such as solar panels, solar parks, and rooftop solar projects have brought about revolutionary changes. As a result, India has successfully achieved its target of generating 100 GW of solar power. In the field of green energy, India has not only achieved self-sufficiency but also shown the world a new path."    The minister added that the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme is making rooftop solar a reality for households and transforming the sustainable energy landscape by providing clean energy to families.    Over the past decade, the installed capacity of India's solar power industry has grown by 3,450%, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.    Solar energy remains the main contributor to the growth of renewable energy in India, accounting for 47% of the total installed capacity of renewable energy. In 2024, the newly added solar installed capacity reached a record high of 24.5 GW, more than tripling compared to 2023. Last year, 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity was installed, nearly 2.8 times higher than in 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are among the top-performing states, making significant contributions to India's total utility-scale solar installed capacity.    In 2024, the rooftop solar industry in India witnessed significant growth, with new installed capacity reaching 4.59 GW, a 53% increase compared to 2023. The primary driver of this growth was the free electricity program initiated by the Indian government in 2024 (namely, the PMSuryaGhar: Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy program, offering Rs. 30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW, Rs. 18,000 per kW for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, and Rs. 78,000 per kW for systems over 3 kW). Currently, the number of rooftop solar installations is approaching 900,000.    India has also made significant progress in the solar manufacturing industry. In 2014, the country's solar cell module production capacity was only 2 GW. Over the past decade, this capacity has soared to 60 GW in 2024. With continuous policy support, India is expected to achieve a solar cell module production capacity of 100 GW by 2030.  

From 14-16 January, Trina Solar appeared at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) with its photovoltaic, hydrogen storage and intelligent energy total solutions. On the exhibition site, Trina Solar displayed its Supreme N family components, Elementa King Kong 2, a 5MWh flexible energy storage battery module equipped with a self-developed Trina Core, the Pathfinder 1P Intelligent Tracking Solution, the Tianze Robot, and the new Green Hydrogen Solution, among other things. Trina Solar's 5MWh flexible energy storage battery module Elementa Vajra 2 energy storage system solution was signed and became the focus of the exhibition. The World Future Energy Summit is the most influential international energy summit in the Middle East Africa region, aiming to accelerate local sustainable development and further promote the global clean energy transition.   Trina Solar has been deeply cultivating the Middle East market for many years, and this exhibition is not only conducive to further showcasing Trina Solar's strong strength in integrated photovoltaic storage technology, but is also a strong manifestation of Trina Solar's commitment to promoting the diversified development of the UAE's economy and promoting global energy innovation.   Wu Champion, Trina Solar's Vice President of Global Sales and Head of Middle East Africa, said: ‘At WFES, we have brought our photovoltaic storage smart energy solutions to help the UAE's green energy transition and enhance its energy resilience and sustainability through innovative, efficient and reliable products and solutions. As the UAE continues to lead the world in renewable energy technology innovation, Trina Solar's smart energy solutions will play a key role in helping the country achieve its net-zero emissions target.’   Trina Solar's 210 Module Products at WFES, Global Leader in 210 Shipments   The exhibition showcased the Supreme N-Series family of products based on n-type i-TOPCon advanced technology and 210 advanced product technology platform. By the end of 2024, global 210 module shipments have reached 380GW, and Trina Solar is a firm supporter and promoter of the 210 platform, with 210 module shipments exceeding 170GW, ranking first in the world.   Trina Solar has been deeply engaged in the Middle East market for many years and has participated in a number of key green projects in the Middle East, including the provision of 800MW of Supreme Series modules for the 2GW AI Dhafra PV plant project in Abu Dhabi, one of the world's largest single-unit photovoltaic power plants, which will satisfy the electricity needs of approximately 160,000 UAE households, reduce carbon emissions by more than 2.4 million tonnes per year, and help the UAE achieve the goal of a 30% clean energy ratio by 2031 This will help the UAE achieve its goal of a 30% clean energy share by 2031. In addition, Trina Solar is also supplying electricity to the Jubail Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia, reducin...

Renewable energy (RES) installed capacity in Europe is expected to triple, but will not reach the 2050 target given the challenges facing the market, according to leading research firm Aurora. The European Union has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which requires renewable energy to generate more than 60% of total electricity generation.In its industry report, Aurora mentions that although installed renewable energy capacity in Europe has grown to nearly 530 GW over the past decade and is expected to more than triple by 2050, Europe will struggle to reach its target, given the ongoing challenges in the energy markets .   The research institute emphasized that negative tariffs and market saturation are the two main barriers to renewable energy growth. Negative tariffs are least prevalent in Central Europe and most frequent in the Nordic region, while grid congestion is also one of the main bottlenecks to renewable energy expansion, Aurora claimed. Remedies in Europe have increased by nearly 15% year-on-year and are expected to reach around 57 TWh by 2023, with Germany, Poland, the UK and Ireland seeing the largest energy cuts.   Aurora urged European countries to increase battery storage capacity and build a more diverse renewable energy portfolio for a more efficient energy transition. In addition, it suggests generating additional revenues through capacity markets, ancillary services markets and balancing markets.   Wind Europe recently voiced its concern that the EU's failure to build enough wind farms in the last year will jeopardize the process of achieving its target of 425GW of installed wind capacity by 2030.

"Is the solar panel waste issue destined to become a relic of the past?" This intriguing inquiry might seem far-fetched today, but with the rapid advancements in technology, it's a future that may not be too distant. As the solar industry continues its upward trajectory, the challenges associated with recycling solar panels are garnering increasing attention. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) recent breakthrough, employing femtosecond lasers in solar panel recycling, promises to revolutionize the industry, making the prospect of a future devoid of the solar panel waste issue a tangible reality. The Recycling Challenge To Solar Panels Solar panel recycling today is no easy feat. The intricate process of dismantling and separating various materials is fraught with environmental and economic concerns. With an increasing number of solar panels reaching their end of life, the urgency of finding efficient recycling solutions cannot be overstated. The current methods, while useful, fall short in terms of efficiency and environmental friendliness, thereby necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate the burgeoning solar panel waste issue. Introduction to the NREL’s Femtosecond Laser Solution and Technological Advancements: The Innovative Approach: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has conceptualized a cutting-edge method that enhances the recyclability of solar panels by resolving a longstanding issue: the difficulty in recycling materials due to the use of polymer layers. The introduction of femtosecond laser technology—the same used in precise medical procedures like cataract surgery—marks a revolutionary milestone in solar panel manufacturing.   Technology at Work: By employing femtosecond lasers, which emit extremely short bursts of energy, NREL's approach utilizes direct glass-to-glass welds within solar cells. This method focused on a laser pulse lasting a mere few femtoseconds (quadrillionths of a second), which can create hermetically sealed glass-on-glass welds at very high precision.   Implications for Recycling: Traditionally, plastic laminates involved in solar panel manufacturing complicate the recycling process. But now, modules assembled with laser welds can be shattered post their lifespan, enabling users to recycle the glass and metallic components and even reuse the silicon. Such laser welds are "material agnostic," suggesting applicability for various cell materials like silicon, perovskites, and cadmium telluride.   Operational Efficiency: It's crucial to note that the heat from the laser is localized, affecting just millimeters of material, thus preserving the remainder of the cell. Not only are these welds just as strong as the glass they bind, but they also achieve a significant level of durability.   Challenges and Solutions: The dilemma of brittleness in nanosecond laser and glass frit filler welding methods is expertly navigated. NREL's femtosecond laser welds...

Have you ever wondered what happens to solar panels at the end of their life? As solar power gains popularity worldwide, an often-overlooked aspect is the lifecycle of these panels and the potential waste they can generate. This blog post will delve into the topic of French solar panel recycling, a significant aspect of sustainable energy practices. We will highlight the need for effective recycling methods, addressing the potential waste issues and emphasizing the importance of a lifecycle approach to solar panel use. The Rise of Solar Panels From the whole world to France, we're witnessing a significant upsurge in the adoption of solar power. This renewable energy source offers remarkable environmental benefits, such as curbing detrimental carbon emissions, making it a favored substitute for destructive fossil fuels. Nonetheless, with the growing implementation of solar panels, there arises an essential demand for sustainable practices throughout their entire lifespan. This spans wide from their production, installation, to their eventual decommissioning and recycling. The Journey through a Solar Panel Lifecycle The lifecycle of a solar panel kick-starts at its production phase and terminates at its decommissioning. Solar panels typically have a respectable lifespan that spans 25 to 30 years, although their overall performance can be affected by multiple factors throughout this period. Implementing proactive and professional maintenance practices to solar panels not only guarantees optimized energy generation but also underwrites a considerable role in extending the lifespan of these solar panels. As a result, inevitably reducing waste volumes and augmenting the overall efficiency of recycling efforts over time. The Veiled Challenge of Solar Panel Waste With an increasing volume of solar panels approaching the end of their useful life, dealing with waste from these panels is gradually morphing into a significant issue. It's essential to note that solar panels comprise hazardous materials. When these are not disposed of correctly, they pose substantial environmental threats. It's thus imperative to develop efficient and effective recycling methods to alleviate this environmental impact while maximizing resource recovery at the same time. Revolutionary Techniques in Solar Panel Recycling As we seek to address these challenges, we've seen the developing of advanced techniques and technologies solely dedicated to facilitating solar panel recycling. Such techniques encompass mechanical, thermal, and chemical procedures, all of which play a significant part in the recycling process. Investing in extensive research and development becomes a necessity in paving the way for efficient and cost-friendly recycling alternatives. Government and Industry Influence Governmental regulations and overall industry policies play an integral role in enhancing the recycling of solar panels. The French government, for instance, has embarked on several initiatives to m...