l'Actualité du Solaire

Attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea could have implications for renewable energies and solar products heading for Europe and the United States. Added to this is the drought

which hinders passage through the Panama Canal. These longer routes have led to higher fuel costs and shipping rates: a large ship carrying gas consumes between 30 and 35,000 dollars worth of fuel per day. The sea route between Saudi Arabia and Rotterdam takes 19 days via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The journey takes almost twice as long via the Cape of Good Hope.

China's virtual monopoly on photovoltaic production makes its dependence on producers particularly sensitive to disruptions in the Middle East. Chinese lithium battery manufacturer Ace Battery says: "the alternative African route almost triples the cost of transporting containers from China to Rotterdam". Nextracker refers to the current situation in its Q3 FY2024 results commentary, indicating the pressures that the current tensions could put on the entire solar value chain. The company says it is taking steps to "minimise the impact on our customers. "

At the moment, prices in the solar supply chain have not yet been significantly affected. Some manufacturing sectors in Europe are facing serious challenges. This justifies the calls from industry and political groups for a more diversified local supply chain. In a similar vein, US senators are calling for additional tariffs on Chinese solar energy imports to strengthen US energy security.

For the moment, the price and availability of solar products have not changed. However, the continuation or escalation of tensions in the Red Sea is something to which solar energy importers will have to pay close attention.

read more https://www.current-news.co.uk/could-tension-in-the-red-sea-cause-a-second-energy-crisis/

https://www.pv-tech.org/red-sea-attacks-driving-up-shipping-costs-has-implications-for-solar-supply/

PV Tech of 2 February 2024