Chinese PV Industry Brief: Energy China shortlists 23 module suppliers for 15 GW tender

Energy China has shortlisted 23 module manufacturers for a centralized procurement tender covering 15 GW of solar modules, with final contract awards pending. The tender includes 10.7 GW of TOPCon, 1 GW of HJT, and 3.3 GW of back-contact modules, with bid prices ranging from CNY 0.695 ($0.102) per watt to CNY 0.779/W. The shortlisted suppliers include major industry players such as LONGi, Tongwei, JinkoSolar, JA Solar, and Trina Solar.

JinkoSolar announced it secured certification under two new Chinese national standards, GB 47739-2026 and GB 47740-2026, for PV module safety and marking requirements. The certifications, issued by the China Quality Certification Centre and China General Certification Center, introduce stricter safety, labeling, and manufacturing consistency rules. The standards aim to enhance module reliability and traceability in the Chinese market.

Trina Solar and Intel showcased an integrated energy and computing solution for AI data centers at the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The collaboration features grid-forming battery storage, AI-driven energy dispatch, and an 800 V HVDC power supply. A pilot project launched in September 2024 coordinates energy supply with computing operations, aligning with Trina Solar’s push into energy infrastructure for AI facilities.

Drinda canceled plans for a 5 GW solar cell plant in Oman, citing escalating trade tensions, Middle East geopolitical uncertainty, and changes to China’s PV export policies. The company had signed a letter of intent in June 2024 for a 10 GW TOPCon cell facility with a $700 million investment, originally planned in two 5 GW phases. GCL System Integration secured a module supply contract for a 1 GW project in Wusu, Xinjiang, covering 776,840 modules rated at 710 W each.