Applied Materials, China new energy leader CECEP to ally on advancing solar PV

BEIJING, CHINA: Applied Materials Inc. and China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), a leading new energy company in China, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore projects for accelerating the development and deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.

The non-binding MoU forms a framework for Applied Materials and CECEP to work together on a range of activities to further CECEP’s solar PV industry strategy and roadmap.

CECEP plans to build a 5MW utility-scale PV power plant in Inner Mongolia using silicon-based thin film solar modules for the first time. ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd. has won the bid to supply modules for this project and will use 5.7m2 tandem junction, thin film, solar modules manufactured on ENN’s SunFab™ line which was supplied by Applied Materials.

“The collaboration between CECEP and Applied Materials will further advance the deployment of the latest PV technologies in China,” said Li Junfeng, Deputy Director of the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission. “The 5MW solar farm that CECEP plans to build in Inner Mongolia, using Applied’s SunFab technology, will be the largest thin film, utility-scale solar farm in China when completed.”

The announcements were made during the US-China Renewable Energy Forum held in Beijing, which was attended by Zhang Guobao, Chairman of China’s National Energy Administration (NEA), and David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.

“We are excited to be working with Applied Materials to explore solar development opportunities, especially in the deployment of large, utility-scale solar farms,” said Mr. Chen Shuguang, Vice President of China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group and Chairman of CECIC Solar Energy Technology.

“We believe Applied Materials’ SunFab thin film solar technology delivers the superior field performance that can help us to rapidly achieve our goal of powering many more cities and millions of people through solar. Working with Applied Materials, we can promote the adoption of solar PV power in China and integrate solar module manufacturing into CECEP’s business.”

“With China's growing energy needs, our relationship with CECEP represents a great opportunity to promote sustainable energy development through the optimal use of renewable energy generation with solar power,” observed Dr. Mark Pinto, Executive Vice President and Corporate Technology Officer at Applied Materials.

“With our PV technology expertise and global capability, Applied can offer leading PV technology and manufacturing solutions to China’s solar industry. We believe our unique 5.7m2 SunFab thin film solar technology is the best solution for utility-scale solar farms, offering easier installation, lower balance of system costs, and superior field performance. Working with our partners and customers, we will continue to help drive down the installed cost per watt of solar PV electricity to make it more affordable and accessible for everyone.”