With geopolitical tensions increasing, countries have placed even more importance on essential products and supply chains. Nikkei compiled data from several research institutes and conducted market research on important global products and services in 2023, including areas such as AI text and image generators, green energy supply chains including solar panels and wind turbines, as well as semiconductor materials.
In a significant milestone for Taiwan's renewable energy sector, the Zhong Neng Offshore Wind Farm has completed the installation of all 31 wind turbines, marking a new chapter in the country's green energy transition. The 300 MW project, a joint venture between China Steel Corporation (CSC) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is set to begin full operations by the end of 2024, ahead of its initial schedule.
The annual Cenex Expo hosted by Cenex debuted in Milton Keynes on September 4, local time. Aside from the two main themes, low carbon vehicles (LCV) and connected and automated mobility (CAM), the expo also focuses on the application of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen vehicles.
Cobalt is essential for producing lithium-ion batteries and is extensively used in electric vehicles, computers, and smartphones. As demand for electric vehicles rises, global cobalt demand is projected to quadruple.
As US cleantech companies fret over the potential policy reversals under a Donald Trump presidency, one segment of the clean energy industry may sidestep the impending threat.
The Chinese government's stance remains a crucial factor in shaping the scale and impact of the ongoing wave of global solar industry bankruptcies and exits. With China's global solar module market share exceeding 85%, the country wields significant influence over the entire industry, according to insiders in the solar energy supply chain.
AMOLED is steadily gaining ground over LCD in the display market, a shift that Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corp believes mirrors the early days of perovskite solar cells. Just as AMOLED now dominates over 50% of smartphone panels after identifying the right market, perovskite solar, despite current challenges in yield, cost, and lifespan, could see similar success if it finds its niche.
Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corp. (TPSC) has invested more than NT$200 million (US$6.3 million) to build Taiwan's first carbon-free perovskite plant, which has delivered the first batch of orders with help from its Mercury 2-Base Line for the trial production of perovskite solar cells.
Taiwan-based Fortune Electric, a dedicated supplier of heavy electrical equipment, is set to substantially increase its hiring in 2024 to meet rising demand driven by global power grid upgrades and the company's ongoing expansion plans.
Due to oversupply in the solar industry in 2024, supply chain quotes have continued to plummet, leading to a wave of bankruptcies across the sector. According to industry insiders, the third quarter will be critical as many companies suffer from insufficient cash flow. It remains to be seen how the supply chain in China will reshuffle amid the crisis.
The green energy market continues to expand rapidly, with significant developments in the first half of 2024. Green energy trading saw an annual increase of 40%, accompanied by substantial growth in new T-REC projects.
HD Renewable Energy (HD) is set to see stronger performance in the second half of 2024, driven by progress in its Southern Taiwan projects. The company, which holds ample land reserves, is well-positioned to sustain the development of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage facilities. With a robust customer base, HD Renewable Energy has solidified its status as the top player in Taiwan's power sales market.
China's world-leading clean energy boom has passed another benchmark, with its wind and solar capacity surpassing a target set by President Xi Jinping almost six years earlier than planned.
Chinese offshore wind turbine manufacturers are leveraging their cost advantage to capture global market share, posing a serious threat to European competitors like Siemens Gamesa and Vestas. This aggressive pricing strategy is sparking debates over the localization of offshore wind manufacturing in Europe, the US, and across Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile, Taiwan is facing scrutiny from the European Union and the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its localization policies.
Indonesia is seeking to blend more palm oil with diesel to cut its use of fossil fuels, with the ambitious target raising the risk of tightening supply of the tropical oil.
Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida is stepping down before the end of September 2024. Many policies from his administration require large budgets, including providing subsidies for the semiconductor industry and the GX policy. There are still questions regarding how these policies would proceed after his leave.
The US EV charging market is temporarily affected by numerous variables due to the 2024 US presidential election. Alex Lin, Chairman of Phihong's EV charging market subsidiary, Zerova, stated that while the US market has slowed down, markets in Europe and Japan have shown growth, compensating for the US market's vacancy. The overall revenue for 2024 is predicted to be about the same as 2023, with hopes of returning to a growth rate in 2025.
On the evening of August 12, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump had a friendly conversation on X (formerly Twitter), where Musk pitched electric vehicles (EVs) to Trump's supporters.
Imagine a world where green energy is sidelined, and tariffs skyrocket—this could be the reality if Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump reclaims the White House in November.
Last week, India's startup ecosystem reached another milestone as EV company Ola went public, joining the ranks of several other firms that have made similar moves in recent years.
In the race to build smarter and more sustainable cities, Polish startup SEEDiA is charging ahead with a suite of solar-powered urban furniture that's turning heads from Warsaw to Taipei.
Taiwan is doubling down on its aspiration to become an "AI Smart Island," with the government outlining a strategic focus on ensuring a stable power supply, expanding supercomputing capabilities, and cultivating a skilled workforce. These initiatives are seen as essential to driving Taiwan's economic growth and cementing its position as a global leader in AI.
In the sun-baked expanses of Queensland, Australia, a Taiwanese company is making an ambitious play in the global race for green hydrogen supremacy. Green Harvest Holdings, a relative minnow in the energy sector, is swimming with the sharks in a market dominated by Japanese and Korean heavyweights.
Taiwanese panel giant AUO is undergoing a significant transformation to diversify its business and reduce reliance on the cyclical display panel market. The company is focusing on three core operating structures: smart mobility solutions, vertical solutions, and display technology.
