JinkoSolar sets sights on expanding operations across Africa
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Sep 16, 2024
JinkoSolar, the leading global producer of solar panels by shipment volume, is moving forward with plans to expand its presence in Africa, focusing on both solar energy and energy storage markets.
Over the past three years, JinkoSolar has supplied 5.2 gigawatts of solar panels and 100 megawatt-hours of energy storage systems to 45 African countries, accounting for 15 percent of the continent’s market share, according to Qian Jing, vice-president of JinkoSolar.
“The company has been increasing its local presence by establishing subsidiaries across key markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, which have ambitious and decisive energy transition goals and relatively stable political and financial environments, making them prime targets for growth,” Qian said.
“With vast land resources, a large population still lacking access to electricity, and abundant solar potential, the continent has a stronger demand for renewable energy than many other regions, and its potential as a solar energy market is unmatched.”
Analysts have noted that Africa presents unique opportunities for solar developers, despite challenges like weak grid infrastructure, limited transportation networks, small project sizes, and a lack of skilled labor. However, the availability of low-cost solar panels makes this market ripe for development.
“Solar panels in sun-drenched North Africa yield up to three times more energy than those in Europe, and the region has ample space for more solar installations to come,” said Nickolas Lua, a solar supply chain analyst at global consultancy Rystad Energy.
“As it is, North Africa accounts for one-fifth of the continent’s solar power capacity and is home to some of the world’s largest solar installations, such as Egypt’s Benban solar complex.”
Lua also highlighted South Africa as a promising market, with its rooftop solar segment alone having a potential market size of 86 GW. Businesses and households in South Africa are increasingly turning to solar to mitigate the impact of frequent power outages caused by grid failures.
According to Luo Zuoxian, an analyst at the Sinopec Economics and Development Research Institute, the growing presence of Chinese solar companies in Africa offers a significant opportunity to expand China’s renewable energy footprint while demonstrating its technological capabilities on the global stage.
“Successful implementation of the projects will not only bolster China’s renewable energy industry, but also strengthen its economic ties with African countries, fostering a long-term strategic partnership,” Luo said.
JinkoSolar has taken steps to address the continent’s infrastructure challenges by exporting its products and technological expertise. In addition to providing high-efficiency TOPCon solar panels tailored for tropical climates, the company offers both on-site and off-site training programs for local engineers to improve their skills in installing and maintaining solar and energy storage systems.
One of JinkoSolar’s key projects in Africa is the supply of 25 MW N-type TOPCon panels for the first solar-powered hydrogen project at Namibia’s Oshivela Green Iron plant. This facility, set to be the first commercial green iron production site in Africa, marks a milestone in the continent’s industrial green revolution. JinkoSolar has also signed a memorandum of understanding to secure orders for subsequent project phases, which could add up to 1.8 GW of capacity.
By integrating solar power with hydrogen, JinkoSolar is helping Africa pioneer innovative clean energy solutions, boosting the region’s global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Qian said the company plans to further expand its footprint across Africa over the next five to 10 years, deepening its involvement in local markets and exploring new applications like solar-powered desalination.
“Our long-term vision is to lead Africa’s energy transition by driving investment, innovation, and technology transfer,” she said. “We are committed to being a key player in Africa’s journey toward renewable energy and sustainability, by leveraging our established network.”
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