AS Published on Monday 30 August 2021 - n° 371 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de l'Actu n° 371
Texts to read this week
AS Published on Sunday 11 July 2021 - n° 370 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°370 of 11 July
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
The texts to read this week:
FRANCE
France supports the European Union's proposal for funding and training in the battery industry
Launching battery manufacturing in Europe is all well and good, but you also need trained people, whether they are engineers, technicians or others... After Spain, France will benefit from a training programme over several years and for a large number of professionals
EIT InnoEnergy and the French government are accelerating training in the electric battery industry
* *
The decree defining self-consumption in low-cost housing
The decree specifies how to introduce self-consumption in low-income housing and the information deadlines
Decree on collective self-consumption in low-cost housing
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD :
Supply chains have been disrupted by the pandemic, the price of freight components has soared. The risks have increased
This aspect of photovoltaics came up at a symposium on installations in Asia, but it certainly applies to other continents: supply difficulties, but also delays in construction lead to difficulties and banks can have unforeseen consequences on apparently solid projects
Risks in power plant construction have risen sharply in the past year
* *
Australia is becoming the world's laboratory for the cohabitation of centralized and residential generation.
Australia's local conditions (distance of users from the grid, development of distributed installations, ...In some parts of the continent, the demand on the grid is zero. In some parts of the continent, demand on the grid is zero. Grid managers have to adapt, to find solutions to make the grid efficient, stable, and at the same time profitable. This is in advance of what will happen in other countries. Stay tuned for the appropriate solutions
The Australian energy market is undergoing a fundamental change
* *
HYDROGEN:
How to make green hydrogen profitable? The imagination is bursting with suggestions and proposals. It costs nothing!
Europe has embraced hydrogen as the "New Frontier". Warnings about the speculative nature of hydrogen's profitability have been brushed aside in the name of climate protection and the famous Paris Agreement. All the professionals began to study how to lower the price of green hydrogen, the only one considered valid because it does not emit greenhouse gases. Trials, consortiums and announcements follow one another to show that we are in the race to make the most of hydrogen. Analysts are providing suggestions, ideas and ways to make production profitable. The advisors are never the payers.
A few ways to make green hydrogen production profitable
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PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
PV manufacturers have anticipated an explosion in demand for panels. They have launched equipment programmes. It is important that demand follows, otherwise prices will fall
Following the shortage of silicon and solar glass, the Chinese authorities have authorised the postponement of the commissioning of a certain number of installations until 2022. This means that installations in 2021 will be limited, with a boom in commissioning next year in China. At the same time, according to some sources, there is twice as much production capacity as there is demand, a consequence of the industry's great confidence in the rapid expansion of demand. Will there be overproduction or simply an adjustment of supply to demand?
The situation of the PV industry, the Chinese installations, and the announced overproduction
* *
R & D :
An unexplored avenue of silicon has led to surprising and interesting results
To produce more and especially cheaper, the Chinese have locked themselves into P-type PERC monosilicon. Research efforts around the world are leading to discoveries that are sometimes particularly interesting, sometimes requiring lengthy and costly development, such as the heterojunction and especially perovskite. At other times, unexplored avenues provide particularly promising results, such as this one:
Improved metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon cell with 20.76% efficiency
* *
How to give electric vehicles range and eliminate the drawbacks of batteries?
The heaviness of batteries for motor vehicles, the need to think about recharging them, their short range, their cost, all militate in favour of finding another solution. We have thought of other categories of batteries that are more efficient, less expensive and not linked to the supply of certain rare raw materials. Another solution could be induction. It would solve a large part of the defects of lithium ion batteries.
Recharging electric vehicle batteries by induction
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AS Published on Monday 5 July 2021 - n° 369 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°369 of 5 July
FRANCE
A conversion that does not go unnoticed
Known for his stance in favour of centralised energy and a uniform price throughout France, the president of the Commission de Régulation de l'Energie has made a welcome change of heart. He advocates the development of renewable energies, a certain disengagement of the State in favour of private negotiations of energy supply contracts. While he seemed intractable and fixed on the principles of the Republic, he is now in favour of renewable energies!
The CRE wants to see increased development of renewable energy and the use of PPAs
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD :
New figures confirm the interest of RE over other fuels
Almost half of the world's population benefits from renewable energy that is cheaper than fossil fuels. And that's by 2020. Only the rising price of silicon will have an effect on the price of panels. This effect will be limited on the price of new renewable energy generators. They will remain more attractive than natural gas power plants.
BloombergNEF's study on panels
* *
Pressure from environmentalists is constant, with new demands every year to raise targets in the name of climate change
The European Commission is preparing to strengthen targets for the contribution of renewables to the national energy mix, tighten greenhouse gas emission reductions, and raise the price of carbon to force polluting users to change their behaviour. Until now, raising the targets had no consequences. With the indictment of states that are not doing enough for the climate, raising the targets becomes perilous! Unless the price of carbon suits everyone!
New EU directives for renewable electricity and green hydrogen
* *
STORAGE :
Can we use the principle of hydroelectricity when we are near a sea or a lake by using the Archimedes principle?
We know the storage by raising a liquid on a mountain which, by releasing this liquid, creates electricity. This is the principle of hydroelectricity. Energy is obtained when it is needed.
How can this principle be applied to places without mountains? To islands? To shores? By using the pressure of the water on any body that is sunken (Archimedes' principle). It would be enough to use the excess energy to sink a body into the water to a depth of 300 metres so that the energy used is returned when needed. This energy conservation lasts much longer than the four-hour backup of a lithium battery.
* *
HYDROGEN :
Hydrogen is non-polluting, but it will only be available in the long term and if the cost of energy is low enough. The other is available now but emits greenhouse gases. They do not have the same time frame. They can also coexist by mixing hydrogen in natural gas pipelines, or when the start-up of hydrogen production is too small and still unprofitable. Natural gas pipelines will be gradually adapted to hydrogen ...
Is it better to rely on green hydrogen or liquefied natural gas?
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
The widespread presentation of N-type panels at the SNEC show is encouraging professionals to bet on this technology
It was enough that the progress in the efficiency of P-type cells seemed to have reached a plateau for the design offices to start analysing the potential of N-type technology. They presented panels with these cells at the SNEC trade fair. As the whole industry presented such panels, each manufacturer is obliged to push the technology and offer N-type panels to customers. Since the obstacle was the low production levels, which did not allow the cost of manufacturing to be amortised, the almost widespread adoption of N cells in the industry will make it possible to increase production rates and reduce the cost of specialised equipment. The movement has begun. The machines will be ordered in 2021 and 2022, and production will start on a large scale. The end of P-cell production is now in sight.
The rate of adoption of N-cells will be faster than previously thought
* *
While panel efficiencies are only increasing by a few tenths, the announcement of panels with significantly higher efficiencies makes one dream
As if to prepare for the future or to entice users, many manufacturers announce cells with 30% efficiency. However, it often takes ten years or so between the announcement and the market launch. In the meantime, these efficiencies make people dream and give them hope that the increase in efficiency will be regular and sustainable.
Several companies are announcing high efficiency cells:
* *
JinkoSolar has information that the public does not have. For the company, the situation is difficult and the future uncertain
The company has been under media pressure over the past few days, splitting its announcements into pieces as if to prepare the public for a very bad second quarter financial result. For the first time in many years, the company is planning not to install all the production facilities announced
JinkoSolar lowers capacity expansion plans for 2021
* *
MISCELLANEOUS:
For the first time in 2020, there were more TWh of RE in Europe than TWh from fossil fuels
For the past 15 years, the direction of renewable energy production has been steadily increasing; at the same time, energy production from fossil fuels has been decreasing due to the decommissioning of coal and oil-fired power plants. At some point, the curves must cross. This happened in 2020 in Europe. Is this movement only due to this long-term trend or to the effects of the pandemic, which reduced energy consumption from fossil fuels?
For the first time in Europe, RE production has exceeded fossil fuel production
* *
AS Published on Monday 28 June 2021 - n° 368 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°368 of 28 June
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
The texts to read this week :
.
FRANCE
Regarding the revision of the 2006-2010 tariffs, one can cry "ruin". We can examine the State's proposals in detail and show their weaknesses
Rather than evoking the bankruptcy of the companies that benefited from the 2006-2010 tariffs and the ruin of the State's word, the French Electricity Union creates doubt in the calculations put forward by the public authorities. This is effective because the latter seemed to have studied their case well. UFE shows that questionable choices have been made. This is enough to ruin the State's objective to review the electricity purchase tariffs.
Revision of the tariffs 2006-2010: UFE "concerned" asks to review the calculation
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD:Under the pretext of safeguarding the Uyghur people, America is following its objective: to shake up Chinese PV domination
The pretext was found with the poor Uyghurs victims of the will of oppression and forced labour imposed by the Chinese power. It justifies the American desire to regain lost world domination in photovoltaics. It is in Xinjiang (western China) that silicon is produced, a material that is essential for the production of solar panels and used in other electronic components. Since 24 June 2021, the US Customs Service has been responsible for letting in products that do not come from Xinjiang and for turning away the others. It will be necessary to separate the good products from the bad! The measure has the advantage of being flexible and adaptable. We haven't heard the last of it.
The new Sino-American trade war (Part 1)
The new Sino-American trade war (Part 2)
* *
The US economic, political and strategic recovery plan
Jeoe Biden has won his bet to launch a plan to renovate the infrastructure of the United States. Admittedly, he had to reduce his ambitions by 40%, but his well-structured plan enabled him to achieve several objectives: an economic revival, to get the renewable energy professionals on his side, and to attack China's monopoly on photovoltaic energy. It would be wrong to see this investment plan as a gimmick. It will return the United States to the supremacy it once had.
US agreement on $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan
* *
By helping to recreate a US PV industry, the Biden plan gets protectionist measures against China accepted
The US offensive is against China (see the trade war resurgence above), and for the reconstruction of a US PV industry. This double action is part of the infrastructure renovation/development plan that the new president has just had adopted by Congress. The recovery of the United States is underway, even if the creation of an industry will take several semesters
American aid to boost local photovoltaic production
* *
A few years ago, India's renewable energy targets were met with a smile. Even today, manufacturers are still very inconsistent and installations are still limited on a subcontinental scale. The big difference over the past few years is that momentum is building. We can no longer smile. We must take advantage of India's desire to reach 280 GW of installed solar energy by 2030 (i.e. 28 GW per year!). This dynamic is achieved through customs duties, aid to manufacturers, and the creation of groups that will dominate Indian photovoltaic energy in a few years' time
The ambitions of an Indian group in renewable energy
* *
THE USE OF SOLAR PANELS
Even the G7 is calling for an accelerated energy transition. Yet nothing is happening. What is the reason for the stalemate?
Everyone wants a greener world; everyone accepts the idea of global warming, no one wants greenhouse gas emissions. But who is doing what? Who is changing what? pvXchange points out that the installation of renewable generators should be accelerated, but nothing is moving, as the scale of the task is so great. He points out the contradiction that everyone witnesses every day.
What can be done to accelerate RE installations in the current economic climate?
* *
THE ENERGY TRANSITION :
A large number of studies indicate that it would be more interesting for the managers of coal-fired power plants to shut down their installations and replace them with solar or wind generators. Yet despite the seemingly indisputable figures, coal is resisting. Renewable energies are developing, but not excessively. IRENA produces a new study to justify the change, but doubt remains...
What would be the gain from replacing coal-fired power plants with RE plants?
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
The beginning of the year was marked by a shortage of silicon. Is this really the case with the accounts of JinkoSolar? The group increased its deliveries by 35% last year, as if it had enough silicon to produce without counting the cost, and the only effect of the economic situation was a slight decline in turnover and gross margin, and finally in profits. Nothing dramatic
JinkoSolar inQ1: suffered from the economic situation
* *
AS Published on Monday 21 June 2021 - n° 367 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°367 of 21 June
FRANCE
The call for tenders on building roofs (AO ISB 4-12)
161 MWp were awarded and distributed over 359 roofs, i.e. 450 kWp per file. With such a small surface area, the prices can hardly be reduced compared to the previous call for tenders. They are between 78 and 87 € per MWp
Finergreen's analysis of the Solar on buildings tender CRE 4 -Tranche 12
* *
To react to the revision of the pre-201 contracts0, To react to the revision of pre-201 0 contracts, know how the revision works
Lawyers present the decree and the order of the ministers concerning this revision of the tariffs of the contracts of before 2010. The mechanics of this revision are complex and require a good knowledge of the procedures
Lawyers comment on the reduction of pre-2010 solar tariffs
* *
There are four ways to react to the review of pre-2010 contracts
Faced with the decisions of the administration that will set the new price per kilowatt-hour, Mr. Canton discusses the four means of action against a violent change in the tariffs of pre-2010 contracts. One should not neglect the ex gratia appeal, which lasts only fifteen days, a period that will probably occur during the summer period, before appealing to the safeguard clause, which gives more time to react but is practically the last means of appeal. Above all, the producer must point out whether the plant has been bought from a third party since it was put into operation.
Possible remedies for a reconsideration of the pre-2010 tariffs
* *
PRICES - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTION :
The price of silicon will no longer rise, but will not fall due to the organisation of the market
The Shanghai Photovoltaic Exhibition, SNEC, was a turning point in the rise of silicon prices. The increases have stopped, but there is no decrease. This will not happen because the Chinese silicon producers, five in number, have seen their power to hold down prices and to get rich easily since there is no alternative to manufacture silicon solar panels. Beforehand, they have cleverly induced users to enter into long-term supply contracts. Thus 90% to 95% of the production is already acquired by the users who have to pay the market price. With few buyers in the market, producers can easily hold prices, especially as there will be no new silicon smelters coming on stream in the next few quarters.
Users can always limit silicon purchases. If they want to work, i.e. slice silicon, make cells and assemble panels, they need silicon. Its price will remain high for the foreseeable future.
The industry: stop price increases for silicon and wafers; downstream resistance
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD :
Ten years on, the rate of use of hydrocarbons has not fallen in favour of renewable energy
The report is bitter: the development of renewable energies has not reduced the use of fossil fuels in the world. Perhaps the observation is too global; perhaps there is a difference in evolution between the developed countries and the emerging countries that are discovering the joys of oil-based fuels. The result is that the rate of fossil fuel use in the world is almost the same as it was ten years ago.
No reduction in fossil fuels in ten years
* *
Solar kits: useful? interesting? cheap? What should we think?
Que Choisir has written a critical article on solar kits that introduce photovoltaic production. In a nutshell, the consumer organisation says that these kits are not profitable and are too expensive. Solarcoop, on the other hand, had just launched its own kit with numerous advertising and commercial arguments. This organisation therefore reacted to the Que Choisir article
On reading Solarcoop's plea, one could have believed it and found Que Choisir wrong. Fortunately, a professional reader quickly clarified the situation by correcting Solarcoop's statements.
Solarcoop reacts to the Que Choisir article
* *
STORAGE :
Lithium will no longer be a rare product. We now know how to extract it from sea water
As an essential element of a lithium-ion battery, manufacturers were concerned about the supply of lithium, which is only extracted in certain parts of the world, raising the threat of a shortage. If lithium can be extracted from seawater, apparently at a limited cost, the future of batteries is a little more secure. Only a little more, because it requires cobalt, which is only found in large quantities in the politically unstable Democratic Republic of Congo.
Extracting lithium from the sea at a very low price
* *
THE USE OF SOLAR PANELS
The pandemic has left economic wounds. Sectors that can, are raising their prices
The global economy has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic stability. All industries that have gained some control over prices through their oligopolistic position are taking advantage of this, finding any excuse to force buyers to go through them. This is particularly the case for steel manufacturers, for maritime transporters, for metal producers and for panel manufacturers. These increases are here to stay and will permeate the economy. We can expect a general rise in prices. The States, which are heavily indebted through aid, subsidies and loans to companies to safeguard their existence, can only rejoice because their real debt (in terms of purchasing power) will only be reduced.
Difficult situation for manufacturers of followers: steel, freight, panels!
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
At SNEC, all panel manufacturers presented panels using N-type cells. Turning a page
The turning point was reached at the Shanghai Photovoltaic Exhibition in early June. All the producers got together and presented N-type panels. They need to increase the efficiency of the panels, which have reached a ceiling with the PERC mono-silicon technology of around 21/22% in research centres, even though some companies have announced experimental efficiencies of 23% and even 24%. Only a new technology will allow progress. For the moment, two are in the running, TOPCon and the heterojunction. The first allows the use of some of the PERC mono-silicon production equipment, but will soon be limited. The second has more potential to increase yields, but the production cost is still a bit high as it is still not widely used.
The change in cell technology starts in 2021 and will continue in 2022
* *
Photovoltaics had escaped the stock market crisis in 2020. This year, it seems too expensive compared to other sectors
The share price of photovoltaic companies soared in 2020. The stock market believed that this activity (manufacturing of panels, installation or operation of power plants) was not dependent on the economic situation and especially on the pandemic. A reversal occurred at the beginning of 2021 with a decline in prices. It is difficult for prices to stabilise. This drop can be attributed to the rise in steel prices (for the followers), the cost of transport (panels from China), the cost of panel components (the price of silicon has soared) or the rise in interest rates (which would increase the cost of building power plants). Doubt has entered the minds of stock market investors who are waiting for better news before returning to these stocks
The shares of photovoltaic companies have been falling since February around the world
* *
Meyer Burger is riding the wave of novelty and difficulties of Chinese producers. It is accelerating its production ramp-up
Its launch of panel production could not have come at a better time for Meyer Burger: it comes at a time when Chinese manufacturers are being disrupted by silicon price increases, rising freight rates, and a certain shortage of panels available in Europe.
In this context, Meyer Burger is likely to come up with a high quality product. A curiosity phenomenon also accompanies this launch. The management is taking advantage of this to accelerate its production ramp-up, in order to occupy the ground as quickly as possible while the Chinese are disrupted, and to reach the break-even point as quickly as possible. This is a clear decision.
Meyer Burger is accelerating the increase in its production capacity
* *
AS Published on Monday 14 June 2021 - n° 366 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°366 of 14 June
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
The texts to be read this week :
.
FRANCE
The use of nuclear power makes a comeback on the French scene
If we want to eliminate hydrocarbons and coal, how can we replace polluting power plants? Renewable energies are recommended as the ideal solution. We dream about the contribution of hydrogen, but it will be in the long term. So RTE has drawn up two scenarios, one using only renewable energies to show that this is not possible or credible; the other using nuclear power as a non-polluting means of supplying electricity. By 2050, there is time to slow down the spread of renewables and make the use of nuclear power unthinkable. Hence :
RTE's lucidity over a 30-year horizon
* *
To know the importance of the modifications wanted by the government concerning the solar contracts 2006-2010
The public authorities have in their sights the solar electricity supply contracts concluded between 2006 and 2010. The holders of these contracts are concerned about the changes that could be imposed on them. Enerplan has developed a small software program to determine what could be imposed on these holders. It is important to know what could happen in order to prepare for it and to be prepared.
To answer the questions and concerns of power plant owners who have contracted between 2006 and 2010
* *
PRICES - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTION :
All speculation one day turns around. Are we at that stage?
Silicon producers have done a good job of getting wafer manufacturers to enter into long-term supply contracts. Most of the needs of the major cell and panel manufacturers were covered by these contracts. This left only a marginal need to be covered, which made it easy to manipulate prices. Only at some point, users prefer to use their stocks and limit their purchases rather than buy at too high a price. We may be at that level of hesitation, and therefore of market reversal:
Has silicon finished its price rise?
* *
STORAGE:
Would you rather change your habits or have a third party capture the CO2 you emit?
Environmentalists are warning of global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions and more specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. The main targets are users of hydrocarbons. Hence the measures taken to avoid increasing the global temperature, which would melt all the glaciers. The solutions proposed are numerous. Everyone knows them but they are restrictive in everyday life. Scientists have discovered how to capture CO2 and transformit into solid carbon. If this discovery is confirmed, it would change all the models recommended until now to limit the rise in temperature:
Solid luminescent carbon obtained from carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
* *
HYDROGEN :
It is said that the causticity of hydrogen destroys the pipes intended for natural gas. Nothing is worth realizing, hence the project of a mixed pipeline: a traditional part, another adapted and long enough for the hydrogen to have time to disturb the quality of the pipeline:
Hydrogen in a nutshell: 475 km of pipeline to test; HPS - Energieinsel partnership
* *
THE USE OF SOLAR PANELS
Second warning against degradation of panel quality
This is the second warning in a few weeks about the deterioration of panel quality. The first one reported changes in the nomenclature of components that were probably cheaper or less available. Apparently all brands are more or less affected by this degradation. As long as there are only a handful of manufacturers, it is hardly possible to change suppliers. They are aware of their position of strength and can only assert that their priority is quality, quality, quality (cf. PV Tech interviews at SNEC) and place lower quality components!
Again, a warning about panel quality
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
It is encouraging to be informed that a US panel manufacturer is failing to produce enough to meet demand. This is especially true when Chinese products are being challenged when they are available
First Solar faces a flood of orders
* *
PV company executives are worse than French politicians. Asked how they got through the rise in glass and then silicon prices, their answer is off the mark. Only the angle of their answer indicates their concerns. This is what makes these answers interesting.
PV Tech's interviews at SNEC (Part 1)
PV Tech interviews at SNEC (part 2)
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AS Published on Monday 7 June 2021 - n° 365 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°365 of 7 June
FRANCE
The State's desire to review old contracts is back on the agenda:The matter has been dragging on for several quarters: the government claims that holders of purchase contracts concluded during the period 2006-2010 earn far too much. The professional unions are crying out that the companies concerned are being destroyed. The arguments have not changed since the end of 2020:
The profession's astonishment and incomprehension
* *
Exceptional connections in the1st quarter
While PV installation connections in France have been stagnant for many quarters, a pleasant surprise occurred at the beginning of the year. This raises the question:
Will the acceleration of connections in the first quarter in France last?
* *
PRICES - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTION:
The Chinese photovoltaic trade fair, SNECThe producers of the sector met at the SNEC, where ideas, concerns and perspectives were exchanged... and where the Chinese government sometimes creates a surprise with its final decisions. It is at this exhibition that the major trends of manufacturers and new products are identified. So it's important to see what's going on there.
The Chinese photovoltaic exhibition SNEC opened on 3 June in Shanghai
* *
SNEC as a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future
The holding of SNEC this week has brought transactions, price developments and even the market outlook to a halt. Depending on what is said in the aisles of the show, price developments may be completely new
The trend according to PV InfoLink of 2 June:
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD:
What are the effects of price increases in the industry? Are they disrupting projects or construction?
Silicon shortages have increased prices in the industry. Panel manufacturers have tried to resist by limiting the use of their production capacity to two-thirds. In addition, the cost of freight has tripled. What are the consequences for installers? for global demand? It is too early to be certain, but some people are already asking the question. If they are asking the question, it is because there are consequences:
Should installation forecasts for 2021 be revised downwards?
* *
Price increases are multiplying, and not only in photovoltaics. Where are we going?
There are price increases in the photovoltaic sector. There are price increases in freight (3 to 4 times those of a year ago). There is the 2.5-fold increase in steel prices in fifteen months (which mainly concerns tracker manufacturers). There is the soaring price of copper. There are now shortages of electronic components for inverters. Not to mention all the price increases in other sectors. So,
Shortages and price increases are starting to worry professionals
* *
What is the way to stop global warming?
Since the general idea is that we must move towards a halt in global warming, everyone has their own recipe. Some are betting on electric vehicles; others on the elimination of hydrocarbons, the source of all evil. The International Energy Agency is betting only on photovoltaics to achieve "net zero" by 2050. Should we accept
The IEA's vision of global energy change by 2050?
* *
HYDROGEN :
After the declarations of intent to set up production units, it is time to locate them
Announcements of projects to build green hydrogen production units are multiplying. However, certain conditions must be met if the projects are to be rapidly profitable. Those who take the best places will be able to obtain the lowest cost of hydrogen and thus establish their position
Where should hydrogen production units be located?
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:What about repairing solar panels?
We know the production of new panels; their destruction by PV Cycle. In the middle of this alternative, a new activity is emerging, that of panel repair. It intervenes to replace one or two defective cells that destroy the entire production of a panel. It offers replacement products when there have been changes in format, technology or size. It is a question of
A new and growing activity: panel repair
* *
Visit a factory from home!
To ensure a reputation, to convince a client, to simply make yourself known, or to reassure a prospect, nothing beats a visit to a factory. The management organizes the
L R AS Published on Monday 31 May 2021 - n° 364 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°364 of 31 May
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
The texts to read this week:
PRICES - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTION:
Prices in the PV production chain continue to rise
In the raw materials market, speculative movements or price increases are almost automatically maintained: intermediaries or manufacturers stock materials, which are no longer on the market, and are therefore not available to other players. The latter are tempted to buy too much in relation to their needs in order to have stocks in case the shortage continues. The movement is maintained until the stocks are used or sold, in both cases with a nice profit margin. For the moment, silicon is in the ascendant part of its price range, but at RMB 200/230 per kilogram, some are now wondering whether it might be prudent to stop stockpiling and even whether it might be time to take a profit. Pending a reversal of position, there is a
Silicon, wafer and cell manufacturers surge
* *
Who can understand the nomenclature of panel components? Manufacturers are profiting
Why make good quality when you can make bad quality for the same price? The manufacturers in the sector have understood that they can replace the components submitted to the control authorities with others of lesser quality. Customers either don't look, or can't see the difference between one nomenclature and another, or have no choice but to take what is offered. As a result,
PVEL reports a sharp increase in failed panels
* *
THE PROSPECT OF PV
States prefer the dream of hydrogen to the reality of photovoltaics
The European Commission has asked the Member States for their economic recovery plans. The reading of these national plans is edifying: they prefer to bet on hydrogen, a "new" and still hypothetical product, rather than directing investments towards what allows photovoltaic installations today. Is this lucidity? Resignation? Single-mindedness? This attitude reveals a lack of confidence and support:
European states are not willing to boost photovoltaic production
* *
New demands to accelerate the pace of the Energy TransitionHaving succeeded so far in boosting the intentions of photovoltaic installations in the European Union, some believe it is possible to accelerate the pace even further. In the name of the planet, the climate, and CO2 emissions! The authorities have always accepted these proposals because the date of achievement was far away: they would no longer be in power in 2030 or 2040. They would no longer be affected by the failed targets. Will they accept new targets, or will they start to say that the targets are impossible to achieve: power plant installers are finding it hard to find space; the need for metals (copper, silver, cobalt, lithium, ...) is being pushed ever further. Can we increase European installations sixfold by 2030?
SolarPower Europe recommends 6.4 times more European installations in 10 years!
* *
In order to make the planet greener, some people advocate stopping investment in hydrocarbons
There is a worldwide race to be the one who best protects the planet, to be the one who is most concerned about endangered animal or plant species, to be the one who proposes the best formula for combating greenhouse gas emissions. The ideological current is so violent that anyone who opposes it is labelled as stupid or incapable. But behind this 'all-electric' and 'all-hydrogen' approach, there are technical and economic impossibilities that make certain proposals ill-founded. The IEA recommends an immediate halt to all investment in hydrocarbons so as not to be labelled a retrograde organisation. On the one hand, oil is very useful unless there is a replacement product, and on the other hand, changes are slow and difficult to get into the population's minds.
If we eliminate oil, how will we make plastic, tar, oils, etc.?
* *
PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
The economic circuits have been disrupted by the pandemic. The dysfunctions lead to price rises penalising the manufacturers of followers
The pandemic disrupted economic circuits. They have not yet returned to normal. This is reflected in the cost of freight, but also of steel, copper, etc. These disruptions have resulted in considerable price increases (3 to 4 times for freight between Asia and Europe, + 156% for steel between April 2020 and March 2021). These increases are justified but too high for unprepared users. Tracker manufacturers, in which steel represents more than half the cost, cannot absorb or pass on the increase. Hence,
The situation is very difficult for follower manufacturers
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Maxeon organises its business
About a year after its split with SunPower, the panel manufacturing activity has not yet found its cruising speed. All the circuits (industrial, administrative, commercial, financial, etc.) need to be analysed and sometimes modified. Losses are almost normal, especially in the current photovoltaic situation. It is too early to determine whether the company is on the right track
In thefirst quarter, Maxeon continued to establish itself
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SUPPLIES
Study mentions tripling of copper use in 20 years
Will we be able to triple the availability of copper (primary or reclaimed) to support PV installations, alongside other copper needs such as transmission lines? It is not currently possible to answer this question. However, the article below mentions one of the problems that will arise in the development of PV installations. It also adds the problem of availability!
Copper requirements for PV will triple in twenty years
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L R AS Published on Monday 31 May 2021 - n° 382 - Categories:Thread of the Week
The Week in Review n°37 of 2021
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
Texts to read this week:
L R AS Published on Tuesday 25 May 2021 - n° 363 - Categories:Thread of the Week
The Week in Review n°363
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS.
FRANCE
The new CEO reorganises Engie around four divisions, with a strong focus on renewable energy
Engie's new organisation and reaffirmed focus on renewable energies
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PRICES - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTION :
The price of silicon is still climbing. A beginning of explanation on the origin of this shortage is presented, whereas there is enough silicon for the world demand of 155 GW and even 200 GW. The "fault" lies in the building up of panic stocks and the need for new wafer and cell production capacity, which is in overproduction!
Analysis of photovoltaic production in China
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Ten days after the price increase of its wafers, LONGi presents a new price list, with an average increase of 12%. The company may well say that it is only passing on the increases it has suffered, but LONGi's net margin (16% in the first quarter) shows that the company is not forgetting.
New increase in the price of wafers
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PHOTOVOLTAIC IN THE WORLD :
Out of the straitjacket of subsidies and therefore of energy production alone, China is innovating by organising clusters of production capacity of different origin, and by wanting to organise local production for local consumption. This leads to an integration of production and consumption. A new stage in energy use?
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The year 2021 will see the launch of heterojunction panels. In addition to Meyer Burger, which starts production this week, Panasonic is launching a 380 W panel. Hanwha Q Cells presents its N-type panel
Several launches of heterojunction and other solar panels
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STORAGE:
New EEG law extending tax benefits to 10kW to 30kW installations causes a rush on storage installations, coupled with solar system installations
Strong increase in the number of storage systems in Germany in 2021
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The Americans studied where best to place storage: on PV plants or off plants? They conclude that it is better to put them outside the power plants! Provided that the connection cost is not too high!
Where to place the storage to get the most value?
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HYDROGEN:
Announcements of consortia planning or launching hydrogen production units are multiplying: 25 GW of RE in Oman, 26 GW in Australia, a small project in Dijon, ...
A hydrogen production complex in Oman, another in Australia...
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THE USE OF SOLAR PANELS
As we are looking for all the ways to place the panels, we propose to place them vertically on top of the fence, along the properties to fence them. Advantages: they supply in the morning and evening (with two-sided panels) when energy needs are greatest. They do not take up space. Does this have a future?
Using solar panels as fencing!
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The installation of panels with their southern orientation is increasingly being abandoned in Germany. The angle of inclination is also being discussed. Latitude or efficiency?
In Germany, south-facing solar installations are in the minority
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PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURERS:
When a company plans such a growth, it is either because it has a huge market or because it is forced by fellow companies not to be left behind. Canadian Solar has already started with +42%in Q1 over last year. This begs the question: who will Canadian Solar take market share from? How can it finance capacity investments? How will it get out of the current situation of higher silicon prices and a maintained selling price?
In 2021, Canadian Solar expects to grow shipments by 60-80%.
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Daqo, the silicon manufacturer, is benefiting from a steadily rising silicon price. Its net margin is considerable. This is the consequence of a class action. This raises the question of how they got to this situation.
In the first quarter, Daqo's operating margin is considerable
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AS Published on Monday 17 May 2021 - n° 362 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n° 362 of 17 May
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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If there were only five texts to read this week :
THE WIRE
* What if the silicon price hike was a retaliation against the call for human rights?
* PPAs as the subject of OFATE's round table
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THE WORLDE
* New rhetoric on the need for a European PV industry
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PRODUCTS
* Focus on hydrogen or electrification of the economy?
MISCELLANEOUS
* Problems with transporting panels: freight and size
Other interesting articles:
* Neoen's Q1 turnover down due to storage activity
* Technique Solaire aims to increase its installations tenfold in five years!
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LE MONDE
* Uncertainty over the volume of PV installations in China in 2021
* Lobby for US electricity infrastructure tax credit
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THE PRODUCTS
* Daqo expects to increase production and deliveries to JA Solar!
* Will green hydrogen be produced primarily in the Middle East?
THE COMPANIES
* Upheaval among the world's leading silicon manufacturers
* Tracker maker Array cancels 2021 guidance
* 3SUN aims to increase production capacity to 3 GW, where break-even lies
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AS Published on Monday 10 May 2021 - n° 361 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°361 of 10 May
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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If there were only five texts to read this week :
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FRANCE
* Launch of the support offer for 20 young French companies
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THE INDUSTRY
* What cell technology will replace PERC?
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THE WORLDE
* 5.6 GW installed in Q1 in China
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PRODUCTS
* Injecting lithium into an outdated battery to make it new?
* Will there be enough raw materials for solar and storage?
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Other interesting articles :
FRANCE
* Tender for the ZNI tranche 5
* French PV installers present energy storage solutions
*Barely 100,000 individual self-consumers in France at the end of March!
* A positive energy tower at the time of the results
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THE WORLD
* What is the gain from replacing coal-fired power stations with renewable energy?
* RE in the US cheaper than 80% of coal-fired plants
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THE PRODUCTS
* On the verge of 45% annual global growth in storage?
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THE COMPANIES
*LONGi in Q1: increases profitability
AS Published on Monday 3 May 2021 - n° 360 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°360 of 3 May
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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If there were only five texts to read this week :
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FRANCE
* CRE's new tariffs for the 2ndth quarter
* Upcoming experiments with two-sided panels in France
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THE FIELD
* Will the shortage of silicon and panels slow down global installations?
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PRODUCTS
* Meyer Burger presented its range of three heterojunction (HJ) solar panels
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THE COMPANIES
* Analysis of the top five global panel producers in 2020 and 2021
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Other interesting articles :
FRANCE
* Total Eren to build hydrogen plant in Australia
* Voltalia: 1st quarter activity and start of construction in the UK
* ekWateur prepares its IPO
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THE INDUSTRY
* The concentration of panel manufacturers will accelerate
* After the silicon shortage, the shortage of polyethylene supply?
* Finally a comparative study on agrivoltaics, involving sheep
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THE PRODUCTS
* Creation of a 5 GW integrated PV plant in Spain
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THE COMPANIES
*LONGi has become the world's number one in wafers and panels
* LONGI's impressive new targets for 2021
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MISCELLANEOUS
* Another way to store energy: through the concrete of the building
AS Published on Monday 19 April 2021 - n° 359 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°359 of 19 April
THIS WEEK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
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If there were only five texts to read this week :
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FRANCE
* When will the European photovoltaic industry be revived?
* Interview with N. Faivre, Director of Operations at Voltec Solar, conducted by PV Magazine
* Diagram of future electricity needs, according to Enedis
THE FIELD
.* Bifacial panels are still being studied
PRODUCTS
* Silver paste is a factor in the future increase in panel prices
Otherinteresting articles:
FRANCE
* GreenYellow and ArcelorMittal Exosun have completed their first power plant
* End of 1 euro insulation operations for attics and floors
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THE FILIÈRE
* Strong investor interest in PV plants reduces IRR to a low level
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THE PRODUCTS
* Difficulties in launching the hydrogen project
* Germans are already organising the hydrogen industry
THE COMPANIES
* Maxeon launches a capital increase to raise $144 million
* JinkoSolar expresses indecision in the current economic climate
AS Published on Monday 12 April 2021 - n° 358 - Categories:Thread of the Week
Le Fil de la Semaine n°358 of 12 April
. THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS WEEK'S NEWS
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If there were only five texts to read this week :
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FRANCE
* Enerplan met the DGEC to understand the delays of the future tariff decree
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THE WORLDE
* <a href="index.php?p=articles.show&id=13996&search=An electricity offer at 1.04">An electricity offer at 1.04 ct $/kWh
* China plans to remove subsidies for new PV projects
* US tax incentives to be redirected to RE
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THE COMPANIES
* JinkoSolar in 2020: suffering from the economic situation and falling to 2nd place worldwide
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Other interesting articles :
THE FILIÈRE
* IRENA PV and RE installation statistics in 2020
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THE WORLD
* Installations in Belgium are residential and increasingly professional
* New Indian government measure to develop PV
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THE PRODUCTS
* Glassmakers happy with price hike
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THE COMPANIES