Tongwei, a leading Chinese solar manufacturer, has secured a major order for 1.17 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels from ACWA Power for the fourth phase of the Muwahy solar project in Saudi Arabia.
The strategic supply agreement was formalised during the 2024 SNEC Shanghai Expo and highlights Tongwei’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Middle Eastern renewable energy market.
Under this agreement, Tongwei will supply its advanced TNC-G12R 66 photovoltaic (PV) modules for the Muwahy project, which is located in western Saudi Arabia. The initial shipments are slated for delivery in 2025, underscoring the rapid pace of development in the region’s solar energy sector.
The Muwahy project is a key initiative in Saudi Arabia’s push towards diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
With a total capacity of 2.6 GW upon completion, the project is poised to become one of the largest solar power facilities in the world.
The collaboration between Tongwei and ACWA Power is expected to significantly contribute to the Kingdom’s renewable energy goals, which include generating 58.7 GW from renewables by 2030.
Meanwhile, in a recent business meeting at LONGi’s headquarters in Xi’an, Northwest China, Li Zhenguo, founder and president of LONGi, engaged in extensive discussions with Mohammad Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power.
The discussions focused on their ongoing collaboration in the renewable energy sector, reinforcing their partnership and LONGi’s strong commitment to both the Saudi and global markets.
Li emphasized LONGi’s position as a global leader in green energy technology, reiterating the company’s dedication to providing low-cost clean energy solutions worldwide. LONGi has developed a comprehensive range of products and solutions in green power and hydrogen, supporting the global pursuit of zero-carbon development. This commitment aligns with its partnership with ACWA Power, underscoring LONGi’s philosophy of clean production and green manufacturing.
The technical innovations, product strengths, and service solutions offered by LONGi have significantly contributed to several key projects for ACWA Power, including the Neom Phase I and II photovoltaic power stations, the Sudair photovoltaic power station, and the solar installation in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea New City. These contributions have garnered high praise from ACWA Power and are instrumental in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Earlier this year, at the 17th International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition (SNEC) in Shanghai, LONGi and ACWA Power formalized their commitment by signing a Framework Agreement, marking a new chapter in their cooperation within the green energy sector.
During these discussions, Li highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant potential in the renewable energy landscape, positioning it as a key player in the global energy transition. He reaffirmed LONGi’s resolve to leverage its advanced photovoltaic technology and innovative solutions to support Saudi Arabia’s green development initiatives.
In related news, Grand Sunergy Tech announced that its subsidiary, Anhui Grand Sunergy New Energy, has entered a procurement contract with CGN New Energy, a fully owned subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Group. This contract involves supplying PV modules as part of CGN New Energy’s framework procurement for 2023-24. The deal is valued at CNY 483 million (approximately USD 66 million), with an average taxed sales price of CNY 0.755 per watt for the panels. Grand Sunergy is set to deliver 640 MW of monocrystalline heterojunction modules under this agreement.
Additionally, Longyuan Power, a subsidiary of CHN Energy, has issued a tender notice for a liquid-cooled energy storage system with a total capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh). The tender is divided into three sections, with two requiring 1,050 MWh of batteries that must have cells rated at 280 amp-hours or higher. The third section will procure 450 MWh, with specific requirements for the battery cells. The tender includes a five-year warranty for the entire battery system and a ten-year warranty for key components.
SCEnergy has also announced plans to issue shares via a simplified process to raise up to CNY 285 million (around USD 39 million). After accounting for issuance costs, CNY 200 million will be allocated to an annual production project aimed at producing 1 GW of PV modules featuring stack-gate technology. This innovative technology, developed in-house by SCEnergy, aims to reduce costs by employing thinner busbars and minimizing silver paste usage, thereby improving power generation efficiency by reducing shading on the cells.
The growth of the solar industry in China and its increasing presence in international markets, particularly in the Middle East, is indicative of the global shift toward renewable energy. The Muwahy project and other initiatives highlight the significant opportunities that lie ahead in the renewable sector, driven by falling costs and technological advancements.
