China is committed to promoting the construction of 70 areas of cooperation between Asia, Europe and other neighboring countries through new technology infrastructures, including photovoltaics. The investments will exceed 8 billion dollars. These areas are expected to produce at least 20 million dollars a year, and provide up to 200,000 jobs.
The Chinese Government has termed this proposal as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to promote the construction of an international trade and infrastructure project that will expand opportunities and economic benefits in Asia, Europe and other neighboring countries involved. This means more solar energy to Asia, for the photovoltaic industry benefit in China.
As an important part of the initiative the construction of several photovoltaic large-scale energy projects is underway in Pakistan. “Photovoltaic power plants are no longer a luxury. Developing countries will now be able to invest in this alternative energy,” said Gao Jifan, President of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association.
Photovoltaic in Pakistan
Last April 4th, the first solar farm of 100MW was launched in Pakistan. As the largest solar farm in the Asian country, the solar plant was built by the Chinese company TBEA using modules supplied by JA Solar.
By providing more than 500,000 kWh of clean energy to the nearby province of Punjab, the photovoltaic plant supplies enough electricity for the region, as it has historically had an energy deficit.
JA Solar delivered its modules under the supervision of PV Lab Germany GmbH, an agent licensed and accredited as a laboratory that sets strict standards for the selection of raw materials, manufacturing processes and quality inspection. JA Solar modules demonstrated their high reliability, high conversion efficiency and high performance to overcome the strict testing and shipped their products as scheduled.
Jian Xie, CEO of JA Solar, commented. “We are proud to have completed the shipment of 100MW in modules to the first prominent solar park in Pakista. Being the module supplier for a project of this importance in the Belt and Road Initiative is a high proof of the global recognition of JA’s products, and a new achievement in our efforts to expand global market. We are confident that with the promotion of Belt and Road Initiative, JA will get more opportunities to using high performance photovoltaic modules and add significant value to our customers to significantly reduce electricity costs per watt. “
Improving infrastructures
Gu Chunyuan, senior vice president of ABB Group, a global provider of power facilities and automation systems, believes there is much more room for foreign companies that will benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in infrastructure development.
“Improving infrastructure connection is a priority in the initiative and it also highlights the ecological design, construction and management. This means opportunities for companies with latest generation technology, global presence and a vision of the Chinese market” Gu added.
It is expected that Chinese companies increase their business overseas, while the Belt and Road Initiative is deployed, according to a report by the international consulting firm Ernst & Young.
