The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced preliminary countervailing duties on solar cells imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The move is part of an ongoing investigation targeting foreign producers believed to be receiving unfair subsidies. This marks a significant development in a trade case that could reshape the solar industry in the U.S.

Southeast Asia Powered the U.S. Solar Imports in Q1 2024

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, U.S. solar panel imports remained strong in Q1 2024, nearly matching the previous quarter’s record of 15 GW and rising 13.8% from a year ago. Southeast Asian countries — Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia — supplied 13 GW, or 87.5%, of the total 14.8 GW of imports in the first quarter.

As imports from these countries increased by 3%, future levels remain uncertain due to a U.S. investigation into alleged illegal imports. This probe, aimed at companies primarily headquartered in China, could result in retroactive tariffs, which might increase challenges for the U.S. solar industry. Analysts predict a rush of imports before any duties are enforced.

U.S. manufacturers like First Solar and Qcells are expanding domestic production but warn that Chinese trade practices could harm the industry. Factories in Vietnam led U.S. solar imports with 36.8% of the total, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

READ MORE: US Solar Installations in Q1 2024 Surpass 100 GW Milestone 

New Tariffs Target Southeast Asian Solar Imports

Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, expressed concerns over the matter, stating,

“We need effective solutions that support U.S. solar manufacturers and, at the same time, help us deploy clean energy at the scale and speed we need to tackle climate change and serve growing electricity demand here in the U.S. While we recognize the challenging market landscape for domestic manufacturers in the short term, these cases alone will not solve our macro challenges.”

On October 1, 2024, the Commerce Department released initial findings in its investigation into photovoltaic (PV) cells imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The focus of the probe is on whether these countries are benefiting from subsidies, allowing them to undercut U.S. manufacturers by selling solar products below fair market value.

As per DOC’s press release, the preliminary duties vary significantly across the four countries:

Cambodia: 8.25% to 68.45%
Malaysia: 3.47% to 123.94%
Thailand: 0.14% to 34.52%
Vietnam: 0.81% to 292.61%

These tariffs apply to PV cell imports, whether sold as standalone units or assembled into panels. Some companies, like ISC Cambodia and GEP New Energy in Vietnam, received the highest penalties due to a lack of cooperation with the investigation.

According to Tim Brightbill, the lawyer representing the petitioners, officials also accused the four countries of subsidizing wafers, polysilicon, and other materials. S&P Global reported that on September 20, the U.S. DOC launched an investigation into these new subsidy claims, focusing on PV wafers from all four countries and polysilicon from Cambodia. However, allegations of subsidies on solar glass, silver paste, junction boxes, and aluminum frames are still pending investigation.

Why These Tariffs Matter for the U.S. Solar Industry

The case originated from a petition filed by the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee. The group, which includes U.S. solar producers like First Solar and Hanwha Qcells USA, is calling for more stringent measures to protect American manufacturing. They argue that Chinese-owned companies operating in Southeast Asia are receiving significant government subsidies, giving them an unfair advantage over U.S. firms.

The tariffs are designed to level the playing field. While the preliminary rates were lower than some analysts expected, the DOC will continue its investigation. The final determinations, expected by spring 2025, could see these duties increase. If U.S. officials find that the domestic solar industry has been harmed, the tariffs will apply retroactively, impacting shipments made 90 days before the preliminary ruling.

MORE DETAILS: Will Record-Breaking Solar Imports Reshape U.S. Industry Amid Tariff Uncertainty?

What Comes Next for Solar Importers and the U.S. Market?

The investigation isn’t over yet. The U.S. is also conducting antidumping duty investigations into solar imports from these four countries. The outcome of both probes could result in higher final duties, depending on the evidence collected.

In the meantime, the U.S. solar market remains in a state of uncertainty. Imports from Vietnam and Thailand have surged in recent months, with the U.S. bringing in 17.4 gigawatts of solar panels in the second quarter of 2024 alone—a record number. Now, those companies face potential retroactive duties, putting projects at risk of increased costs.

Brightbill also expects the final rates to rise, citing past cases where initial findings led to much higher tariffs. He also expressed concerns that many Southeast Asian companies are skilled at hiding the sources of their subsidies, suggesting that the full picture may not emerge until the investigation is complete.

As this case unfolds, solar manufacturers in the U.S. hope the duties will create more room for domestic production. However, some critics warn that the tariffs could increase solar panel costs, potentially slowing the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Brightbill said,

“What happens is these rates will translate into cash deposits collected at the border in the very near future. So, Commerce will instruct Customs and Border Protection to begin collecting cash deposits in these amounts, and that will happen almost immediately. And again, these are preliminary rates. So, if the subsidy rates increase by the time of the final determination, then Commerce will simply tell Customs to expand its collection to the higher rates.”

A final decision is expected next year, with the possibility of more changes on the horizon.

MUST READ: Top Solar Titans and How They Power the Green Energy Transition 

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Tata Electronics, a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., is setting a new standard in India’s tech landscape with a massive $11 billion investment. This ambitious move will establish the country’s first semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, in partnership with Taiwan-based semiconductor company Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). The agreement is a crucial step toward creating a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, positioning the nation as a rising player in the global chip market.

Unlocking Tata’s Massive Semiconductor Production Plan

Tata’s investment of INR 91,000 crores (~US$11 billion) marks a pivotal moment in India’s industrial development. The new semiconductor fab in Dholera will have the capacity to manufacture up to 50,000 wafers monthly. It will incorporate advanced automation technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to maximize efficiency.

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, stated,

“We are pleased to partner with PSMC, whose technology and expertise will significantly accelerate our roadmap to pioneer semiconductor manufacturing in India. This collaboration is a key milestone. I am confident that our comprehensive technology partnership with PSMC will pave the way for innovation, drive growth, and strengthen the global semiconductor supply chain. It will position us to play a key role in the growing semiconductor market to serve global customers.”

Notably, PSMC will contribute to design expertise, construction, and technology transfer. This collaboration ensures that India will soon be home to a cutting-edge semiconductor facility catering to the growing demands of AI, automotive, wireless communication, and computing. Additionally, the chips manufactured at this fab will support essential applications, including power management, display drivers, microcontrollers, and high-performance computing.

MUST READ: A Bold Plan: Tata to Transform Green Steel with Nuclear Power 

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Fab

Tata’s partnership with PSMC is more than just building a factory; it’s about creating a complete semiconductor ecosystem. This collaboration will bring advanced technology, skills, and talent to India, strengthening the country’s position in the global semiconductor market.

The Indian government approved Tata’s plans, recognizing the strategic importance of building domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The plant will not only meet India’s chip demand but also serve international customers, pushing the nation to become a trusted player in the industry.

Furthermore, Tata’s bold vision aligns with the government’s “Make in India, For the World” initiative. The Dholera fab can potentially generate over 20,000 jobs, thereby directly boosting India’s tech and manufacturing sectors. With plans for more fabs, Tata aims to create over 100,000 skilled jobs in the future, indicating the significant impact of this project.

PSMC Pioneering Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing

PSMC, the seventh-largest pure-play foundry globally, operates six fabs in Taiwan and produces over 2.1 million wafers annually. Founded in 1994, PSMC successfully transitioned from DRAM production to advanced memory and logic chips, showcasing its adaptability in the semiconductor industry.

In 2023, the company reported total greenhouse gas emissions of 589,995 metric tons of CO2e from Scope 1 and 2, marking a 12.16% decrease from 2022. The primary emission hotspots in Scope 1 and 2 were fluorine-containing gases and purchased electricity, accounting for 94.71% of total emissions.

source: PSMC

In terms of Scope 3, PSMC reported 171,863 metric tons of CO2e, a 19.57% decrease from 2022. Major contributors in Scope 3 included fuel and energy-related activities and purchased goods and services. Overall, PSMC aims to strengthen collaborations with its value chain partners to enhance climate strategies and build a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Dr Frank Huang, Chairman of Powerchip Group and CEO of PSMC, said,

“We are excited to collaborate with Tata Electronics on this pioneering initiative to establish India’s first semiconductor Fab in Gujarat. It reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and expertise, helping Tata Electronics create a state-of-the-art facility that will catalyze India’s semiconductor landscape. This partnership represents a win-win situation, as it positions PSMC and the Taiwanese ecosystem to gain a significant first-mover advantage in the rapidly expanding Indian market while helping India achieve self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing. I strongly believe that our partnership will be foundational to the India–Taiwan collaboration in semiconductors and will inspire more commercial and strategic tie-ups between the two sides.”

Strategic Alliances: Tata Electronics, Tata Motors, and ADI Unite for Semiconductor Innovation

Tata Electronics has also been actively forging partnerships to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between Tata Electronics, Tata Motors, Tejas Networks, and America-based Analog Devices (ADI). This collaboration aims to explore semiconductor manufacturing opportunities within India, particularly for EVs and network infrastructure.

ADI’s semiconductor products are expected to integrate across various Tata Group applications, enhancing India’s capabilities in EVs, data networks, and more. The partnership will further accelerate India’s journey to become self-reliant in semiconductor production and a key player in the global supply chain.

Vincent Roche, CEO and Chairman of ADI emphasized the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the potential to combine ADI’s semiconductor expertise with Tata Group’s vision to develop cutting-edge technologies across industries, from EVs to next-generation network infrastructure.

N Chandrasekaran once again highlighted the importance of this investment, noting that the development of a prosperous semiconductor industry will not only serve India’s growing tech demand but also support global customers.

Thus, India’s first semiconductor fab represents a pivotal moment in enhancing the country’s industrial capabilities. This initiative further reduces reliance on imports. In conclusion, Tata Group’s substantial investments and strategic partnerships, especially with companies like PSMC and ADI, are driving India’s emergence as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.

READ MORE: India and UAE Sign Major Agreements with Focus on LNG and Nuclear • 

The post Tata’s $11 Billion Leap: India’s First Semiconductor Fab in Partnership with Taiwan’s PSMC appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Green hydrogen is emerging as a key player in the clean energy transition. With this thought, Microsoft and Irish energy company ESB have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking pilot project that could reshape the way data centers are powered. To decarbonize its operations, the tech giant will use green hydrogen (H2) fuel cells to generate clean electricity at its Dublin campus.

Microsoft Switches to Green Hydrogen to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions

Microsoft’s move to adopt green hydrogen aligns with its broader sustainability goals. In 2020, the tech giant committed to becoming carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste by 2030. This latest project not only supports that vision but also demonstrates how hydrogen technology can play a critical role in decarbonizing sectors like data centers, which are significant energy consumers.

Lavinia Morris, General Manager, of Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, remarked,

 “This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centers, buildings, and campuses around the world. As we look to advance a more sustainable future, we hope to build on the success of this pilot project and continue to find innovative ways to decarbonize our operations.”

However, recent reports reveal that Microsoft’s Scope 3 emissions in 2023 were 30% higher than in 2020. The rise in emissions is largely driven by the expansion of data centers to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. Consequently, switching to blue hydrogen is one way to tackle the Scope 3 emissions.

Source: Microsoft 2024 sustainability report

This pilot project also adheres to the ‘Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development’ outlined by the Irish government. By ensuring efficient use of the electricity grid and promoting the use of renewable energy, Microsoft is contributing to the country’s sustainability goals.

READ MORE: Fortescue Launches Innovative Green Metal Project in Australia, Fueled by Green Hydrogen! 

ESB’s Innovative Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Zero Emissions, Maximum Impact

Hydrogen is emerging as a vital component of the clean energy transition. It’s especially valuable for sectors where renewable solutions like wind and solar are less practical. ESB’s hydrogen fuel cells can potentially replace diesel generators and offer a carbon-free alternative that can power critical infrastructure without any carbon emissions.

Microsoft’s press release explains that the pilot project will run for eight weeks. Significantly it is the first time that hydrogen fuel cells will be used to provide electricity to Microsoft’s data center in Europe. These zero-emission fuel cells, designed by ESB, will deliver up to 250 kW of power to Microsoft’s data center and administration building in Dublin.

The key feature of hydrogen fuel cells is their ability to convert stored green hydrogen into electricity. The only byproduct? Pure water. Unlike traditional diesel generators, these cells produce no carbon emissions or harmful air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter. This makes them an ideal solution for reducing the environmental and health impacts often associated with backup power systems.

Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, said,

“The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero-emissions hydrogen can be harnessed to power our digital lives. If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”

Additionally, Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, commented,

“ESB believes green hydrogen will play an important role in the net zero energy system of the future. We’re delighted to be working with Microsoft on this innovative pilot project that will showcase the potential for green hydrogen as part of zero-emission electricity generation for data centers.”

Notably, the Dublin pilot is just the start of a broader shift to hydrogen power across Europe. ESB aims to expand hydrogen fuel cell projects in 2024 and 2025, showcasing its versatility in various energy applications.

Green hydrogen capacity targets and consumption potentials in selected countries in the EU in 2030

Source: Statista

Microsoft’s collaboration with ESB highlights the role hydrogen can play in reshaping energy production and consumption. With growing sectors like AI and cloud computing, the demand for cleaner power is more urgent than ever. By adopting hydrogen fuel cells, Microsoft is demonstrating how innovative solutions can help meet these challenges and reduce emissions.

Source: Microsoft announces pioneering green hydrogen pilot project with ESB

FURTHER READING: Shell Powers Europe With A Mega 100MW Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer 

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As the demand for electric vehicle (EV) metals grows across Europe, global mining giant Rio Tinto and UK-based refinery developer Green Lithium have joined forces to create a robust domestic lithium supply chain. This strategic partnership is set to boost the UK and EU’s automotive and manufacturing sectors, while also advancing decarbonization goals.

Rio Tinto – Green Lithium Partnership Sparks Hope for Europe’s Lithium Future

Green Lithium plans to construct a large-scale lithium refinery in Teesside, England. The facility will produce high-purity lithium chemicals, essential for batteries in the UK and EU automobile industry. What makes this project unique is its focus on sustainability. To reduce environmental impact, the company will use advanced technology to process low-carbon spodumene concentrate.

Philippe Bourdages, Vice President of Minerals Sales at Rio Tinto remarked,

“Rio Tinto and Green Lithium share ambitions related to decarbonization and today’s announcement is an important step forward in our journey towards unlocking the end-to-end battery metals supply chain in Europe. Alongside Green Lithium, we are looking to supply the global rollout of green battery technology to feed the significant European market demand.”

Rio Tinto will play a significant role in boosting lithium production. This initiative comes at a crucial time. Europe, despite being a key player in the EV market, lacks sufficient lithium refining capabilities. Currently, much of the global supply chain is controlled by Chinese companies.

This joint venture is expected to help reduce Europe’s dependence on imports, thereby securing a sustainable supply of battery metals.

Most importantly Sarah Jones MP, UK Government Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation applauded this deal, noting,

“This is great news for Green Lithium and Rio Tinto and will not only support high-skilled jobs in the North East but boost our critical minerals supply chains as we continue to build a cleaner, greener future for our automotive industry and drive forward our mission to net zero.”

SEE MORE: Alaska Energy Metals Pioneers A Model of Carbon-Neutral Mining 

Unlocking Green Lithium’s Sustainable Lithium Refinery in Teesside

Green Lithium’s lithium refinery in Teesside, North East England, aims to set new sustainability standards. With a low-carbon refining process, it will reduce emissions compared to traditional resource-heavy methods. This is possible due to its location in a region with abundant clean energy options.

The refinery will use renewable energy sources, including on-site solar and wind power. To further cut emissions, the facility will enter into green power agreements, ensuring its electricity comes from clean sources. By 2035, the plant also aims to fully transition to green hydrogen for gas needs, replacing natural gas.

Guy Hatcher, Head of Strategic Business Development and Co-Founder at Green Lithium highlighted that as per Minviro’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report, the refinery’s emissions profile is set to outperform existing operations. It can potentially reduce the overall carbon footprint by 75% compared to current refineries. With these innovations, the refinery is on track to lead the way in sustainable lithium production for the growing battery market.

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Why Lithium is Crucial for Europe’s Net Zero Goals?

It’s a well-known fact that lithium is a key material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems and would significantly reduce Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels in the future.

According to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) which is part of the Green Deal Industrial Revolution,

 “Ensures EU access to a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, enabling Europe to meet its 2030 climate and digital objectives.” 

The CRMA emphasized that critical raw materials are essential to Europe’s economy but are vulnerable to supply disruptions. Demand for these materials is rapidly increasing due to global decarbonization efforts. Furthermore, the council has predicted:

By 2030, the EU’s need for lithium will rise twelvefold, and by 2050, it will increase twenty-onefold.

However, Europe currently imports 81% of its lithium and lacks domestic refining capacity, relying heavily on suppliers from Chile and China. The CRMA tackles Europe’s supply vulnerabilities by building strong, resilient, and sustainable value chains. Additionally, it aims to enhance domestic extraction, refining, and recycling while lowering import reliance and monitoring supply disruptions.

CRMA’s 2030 Milestones for Domestic Capacities

The Act sets these benchmarks along the strategic raw materials value chain and for the diversification of the EU supplies

at least 10% of the EU’s annual consumption for extraction
at least 40% of the EU’s annual consumption for processing
at least 25% of the EU’s annual consumption for recycling
no more than 65% of the EU’s annual consumption from a single third country

Lithium Prices Stabilize While Cobalt Trend Low, A S&P Global Report

Passenger plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales rose 26.5% year over year in August, driven by growth in China, though Europe’s top markets saw a decline of over 60,000 units due to Germany’s end of subsidies.

With slowing PEV demand in Europe and the U.S., battery makers are delaying expansions, and automakers are pushing back electrification goals.

The key highlights of the S&P Global analysis were: Lithium prices stabilized shortly because of CATL’s mine shutdown and high seasonal demand, but the market was oversupplied. Conversely, cobalt prices fell 1.7% in September, and the excess supply is likely to continue until 2028, keeping prices low.

EU’s Quest for Reliable Supply Chains

To diversify supply, the EU is also forming global partnerships to secure domestic supply chains and boost sustainable economic growth. Significant deposits have been found in Serbia and Germany, However, challenges like environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles have slowed progress.

One major example is Rio Tinto’s efforts to revive its Jadar lithium project in Serbia. This project, set to be Europe’s largest lithium mine, had its license revoked in 2022 due to environmental protests. However, with legal approval in July 2023, the project’s resumption was on track. Rio Tinto estimates that the Jadar mine could produce up to 60,000 tons of lithium annually, which would meet nearly 20% of Europe’s demand for EV batteries.

We can infer that the partnership between Rio Tinto and Green Lithium not only supports the automotive industry but also aligns with wider efforts to achieve net zero emissions. Both companies are committed to decarbonization, and this project could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of lithium production in Europe.

Last but not least, Sean Sargent, Chief Executive Officer of Green Lithium, expressed himself by saying.

“The EV and battery revolutions are fundamental to reducing the carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change. By building our refineries, we will accelerate the adoption of EVs and sustainable energy storage through the increased supply of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals. Fulfilling this vision requires the right partners, and in Rio Tinto we have found an exceptional potential commercial partner.”

MUST CHECK OUT: The Fastest Developing North American Lithium Junior

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