Chinese Solar Firms Ramp Up Investment to Meet Africa’s Renewable Energy Demand
Chinese solar firms are increasingly focusing on Africa’s renewable energy market, tapping into the continent’s abundant solar potential and addressing critical electricity shortages. Industry leaders discussed the trend at the recent China-EU-Africa Green Energy Development Forum, noting the continent’s favorable conditions for solar power generation.
Africa’s vast land area and strong sunlight hours create ideal conditions for photovoltaic (PV) development, said Lu Chuan, President of Chint Solar. The Wenzhou-based company, which entered the African market in 2013, has recently secured a contract for a solar farm in Algeria and continues to expand its reach into countries like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.
Jinko Solar, the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer, won a contract in April to supply 25 megawatts of advanced PV modules for Namibia’s Oshivela project, Africa’s first iron plant powered by solar-produced hydrogen. Additionally, Tongwei Group, a lithium producer, announced in June its partnership with UAE’s AMEA Power to develop a 140 MW solar project.
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“China’s wind, solar, and energy storage firms are key players in Africa’s energy shift,” said Qian Jing, Vice President of Jinko Solar, highlighting their contributions through technology exports, financing, project partnerships, and training.
Looking ahead, Chint Chairman Nan Cunhui emphasized the need for a platform promoting cross-border technology exchange and collaboration, which would foster stronger technical and financial partnerships and reduce trade barriers. These efforts, he suggested, would further accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition and bolster economic growth across the continent.
