#solar asia

[theensunsolar]

Exhibition time: September 26, 2024 ~ September 28, 2024 Exhibition hall opening: 09:00-18:00 Exhibition industry: Solar Products Exhibition address: Lahore Expo Center, Pakistan

[reasonsforhope]

"China’s carbon emissions have flatlined over the past six months and there’s now an opportunity for substantial declines over the next decade, analysts say.

The rapid growth in clean energy generation has been sufficient to offset a recent surge in power demand caused by higher air conditioning use amid late-summer heatwaves, and the government’s manufacturing push, according to an analysis by Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

China’s carbon emissions fell by 1% in the second quarter of 2024 and were flat in the third quarter, providing another indication that emissions may have already peaked.

This is largely because solar power output was up 44% in the three months to end-September, compared to a year before, while wind power generation grew 24%. In the first nine months of 2024, China installed 161GW of new solar capacity and 39GW of wind, per CREA data.

For emissions to post a decline in 2024 as a whole, there will need to be a 2% reduction in the fourth quarter, Myllyvirta’s calculations show. That’s probable if power demand growth cools as expected and hydro plants perform in line with historical averages, he wrote in a post on X, adding that over the entire summer period, clean energy expansion covered all electricity demand growth.

“If the current downturn in China’s emissions is sustained — with emissions falling in the second quarter and stable in the third quarter — that would open the door to the country beginning to reduce emissions much faster than its current commitments require.

“This would have enormous significance for the global effort to avoid catastrophic climate change, as China’s emissions growth has been the dominant factor pushing global emissions up for the past eight years since the signing of the Paris climate agreement.”

Based on current trends and targets, CREA expects China’s emissions will decline 30% by 2035. The International Energy Agency says emissions will fall 24% by then based only on stated policies, but that could be raised to 45% if the country follows a pathway that’s consistent with its long-term carbon neutrality target.

For the time being, Chinese policymakers are setting relatively unambitious targets, and “it’s vital that future targets reflect ongoing clean energy trends to avoid locking in lower ambitions,” Myllyvirta said."

-via The Progress Playbook, October 29, 2024

[rainbow-taishi]

Me in the Tropics during dry season

my country is like an oven rn but the sun will not take my drip away

[cognitivejustice]

The current landscape of hyper-local urban farming across Asia

Globally, urban farming is evolving as cities seek innovative solutions to sustainably feed their growing urban populations. Techniques like vertical farming and hydroponics are at the forefront, allowing crops to be grown in layered setups or water-based environments, minimizing land use, and reducing water consumption.  

Urban farming in Asia presents a rich tapestry of approaches, each shaped by the unique challenges and priorities of the region’s diverse cultures and economies. The rapid urbanization and dense population clusters in Asia make urban agriculture not just a choice but a necessity, driving innovation and adaptation in several key areas. 

China 

China has become a leader in urban agriculture through heavy investment in technology and substantial government support. Initiatives like the Nanjing Green Towers, which incorporate plant life into skyscraper designs, exemplify how urban farming can be integrated into the urban landscape.  

The government has also implemented policies that encourage the development of urban farming, providing subsidies for technology such as hydroponics and aquaponics, which are vital in areas with contaminated soil or water scarcity. 

Japan 

With its limited arable land, Japan has turned to creative solutions to maximize space, such as rooftop gardens and sophisticated indoor farming facilities.  

One notable example is the Pasona Urban Farm, an office building in Tokyo where employees cultivate over 200 species of fruits, vegetables, and rice used in the building’s cafeterias.  

This not only maximizes limited space but also reduces employee stress and improves air quality. 

Singapore 

Singapore’s approach is highly strategic, with urban farming a crucial component of its national food security strategy. The city-state, known for its limited space, has developed cutting-edge vertical farming methods that are now being adopted globally.  

The government supports these innovations through grants and incentives, which has led to the success of vertical farms. These farms use tiered systems to grow vegetables close to residential areas, drastically reducing the need for food transportation and thereby lowering carbon emissions. 

India 

In contrast to the technology-driven approaches seen in other parts of Asia, India’s urban farming is largely community-driven and focuses on achieving food self-sufficiency.  

Projects like the Mumbai Port Trust Garden take unused urban spaces and convert them into flourishing community gardens. These projects are often supported by non-governmental organizations and focus on employing women, thus providing both social and economic benefits. 

Thailand 

Thailand’s urban farming initiatives often blend traditional agricultural practices with modern techniques to enhance food security in urban areas. In Bangkok, projects like the Chao Phraya Sky Park demonstrate how public spaces can be transformed into productive green areas that encourage community farming. These initiatives are supported by both local municipalities and private sectors, which see urban farming as a way to reduce food import dependency and improve urban ecological balance. 

The Philippines 

In the Philippines, urban farming is an adaptive response to urban poverty and food insecurity. Metro Manila hosts numerous community garden projects that are often grassroots-driven, with local government units providing support through land and resources. These gardens supply food and serve as educational platforms to teach urban residents about sustainable practices and nutritional awareness. 

[keepingitneutral]

“Fàng Sōng,” HouseBoat,

Crossboundaries Design

[solarpunkbusiness]

The startup employs a triple-threat approach to traditional rice cultivation: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), and Soil Bacteria Additives.

AWD involves periodically drying and re-flooding rice fields instead of constant flooding. This method reduces water usage by 30%, boosts yields, and cuts methane emissions by an impressive 1.4 tons per hectare per season.

DSR eliminates the need for constantly flooded nurseries by sowing seeds directly into the soil. Widely adopted in Southeast Asia, this technique curbs water consumption, lowers seed costs, and reduces methane emissions by 0.3 tons per hectare per season.

Startup Rize also introduces specialized soil bacteria additives that temper the soil, decreasing fertilizer requirements while improving grain quality. Remarkably, these bacterial additives slash methane emissions by a staggering 3.3 tons per hectare per season.

[rjzimmerman]

U.S. solar companies, imperiled by price collapse, demand protection. (Washington Post)

Several of the largest American solar manufacturing companies are demanding aggressive action against cheap imports, arguing in a petition filed Wednesday with the Commerce Department that firms in four Asian countries are illegally flooding the U.S. market with Chinese-subsidized panels.

Though the panels are not produced in China, the petitioners allege many are made in factories linked to China-based companies that benefit from massive price supports.

The complaint comes amid a glut of solar panels on the global market that has driven prices down by 50 percent over the past year, with the International Energy Agency projecting prices will fall even further. Manufacturers are currently making two solar panels for every one that is getting installed, according to the IEA. The oversupply is imperiling a boom in U.S. manufacturing driven by President Biden’s signature climate bill, the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We are seeking to enforce the rules, remedy the injury to our domestic solar industry and signal that the U.S. will not be a dumping ground for foreign solar products,” said Tim Brightbill, an attorney for the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, the group of U.S. firms that filed the petition. The group includes such industry giants as Ohio-based First Solar and Qcells, which has used Inflation Reduction Act subsidies to invest in huge new manufacturing facilities in Georgia.

In an email to The Washington Post, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said his country’s “leading edge in new energy is gained through strong performance and full-on market competition, not government subsidies.”

“China has been and will always be open to industrial cooperation,” the statement said. “We hope relevant countries will embrace fair competition and work with China to contribute to a world-class, market-oriented and law-based environment for trade and economic cooperation.”

But the petition is also renewing tensions in the American solar industry, as installers of panels and developers of large solar farms warn that placing restrictions on imports could hurt consumers and raise prices. If the petitioners succeed, companies that buy solar panels from businesses in any of the four nations cited could be subject to steep penalties, which federal trade officials could enforce retroactively.

The industry only recently emerged from a bruising battle over the enforcement of trade laws, after the administration found Chinese companies were illegally sidestepping them by producing panels in China but then finishing assembly in other countries to avoid tariffs.

[vizjpmdose]

dang it I'm literally so sad that I didn't saw the solar eclipse cuz it happened when it was night time here in my country 😭

[wgm-beautiful-world]

SINGAPORE

[eninrac-consulting]

What Are the Potential Benefits of Solar Projects for Asian Businesses?

The first quarter of 2023 saw Asia surpass 500 GW of installed solar capacity.The entire installed solar capacity in Asia was approximately 600 GW as of May 2023, and by 2030, it is expected to reach approximately 1000 GW*. The Asia Pacific region is the primary driver of this growth in solar capacities, and it will continue to have a significant impact on capacity additions. Approximately 41% of all solar installations in Asia are in China, and the country has installed capacities exceeding 400 GW. India has seen a notable increase in the number of solar installations.

[beenasarwar]

Not a monolith: Happy New Year, Southasia!

Rminded of her grandmother, Dadi by the harvest festivals celebrated around the region, Kavita Srivastava lists and affirms the cultural traditions that remind us of our beautiful diversity

I am reminded of my grandmother, Dadi, and the private rituals we had at home, as I observe harvest festivals around the region at this time of year, each with its own name, special foods and rituals. Let’s affirm these diverse cultural traditions and languages without trying to replace them. Shobho nobo borsho, everyone! By Kavita Srivastava As Southasians across the globe celebrate our New…

[reasonsforhope]

"India has reached a key milestone in renewable energy, with the country’s total renewable energy capacity exceeding 200 gigawatts as of Oct. 10, 2024, according to the Central Electricity Authority. The renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3% of the nation’s total installed capacity.

This milestone is the result of years of efforts to harness India’s natural resources. From solar parks to wind farms and hydroelectric projects, the country has built a diverse renewable energy base, reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing energy security.

India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with renewable energy contributing a significant portion of the overall power mix as the country continued to increase its dependence on cleaner, non-fossil fuel energy sources and push towards its sustainability goals.

When factoring in the 8,180 MW of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country's installed electricity generation capacity, signalling a strong move towards clean energy leadership on the global stage.

Renewable Energy

A variety of renewable energy resources contribute to this impressive figure. Solar power leads the way with 90.76 GW, playing a crucial role in India’s efforts to harness its abundant sunlight. Wind power follows closely with 47.36 GW, driven by the vast potential of the coastal and inland wind corridors across the country.

Hydroelectric power is another key contributor, with large hydro projects generating 46.92 GW and small hydropower adding 5.07 GW, offering a reliable and sustainable source of energy from India’s rivers and water systems.

Biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW to the renewable energy mix. These bioenergy projects are vital for utilising agricultural waste and other organic materials to generate power, further diversifying India’s clean energy sources. Together, these renewable resources are helping the country reduce its dependence on traditional fossil fuels while driving progress towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Leading States In Renewable Energy Capacity

Several states in India have emerged as leaders in renewable energy capacity, making significant contributions to the nation's progress. These states are essential to advancing India’s renewable energy goals and fostering a sustainable energy future.

Rajasthan leads the pack with an impressive 29.98 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, capitalising on its extensive land and abundant sunlight.

Following closely is Gujarat, which boasts a capacity of 29.52 GW, driven by its strong focus on solar and wind energy projects. Tamil Nadu ranks third with 23.70 GW, leveraging its favourable wind patterns to generate substantial energy. While Karnataka rounds out the top four with a capacity of 22.37 GW, supported by a mix of solar and wind initiatives.

India's commitment to renewable energy is reflected in the annual electricity generation trends in recent years. The Government of India has introduced various measures and initiatives to promote and accelerate renewable energy capacity nationwide, aiming for an ambitious target of 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030."

-via NDTV, October 14, 2024

[scientificinquirer-blog]

Conversations with Babak Tafreshi: A National Geographic Explorer astrophotographer discusses shooting the solar eclipse (with tips!)

On April 8, over 32 million Americans will witness a total solar eclipse, the last until 2044. ABC News and National Geographic will host “Eclipse Across America,” broadcasting live from 2:00 p.m. EDT across multiple platforms, including ABC, National Geographic Channel, Disney+, and Hulu. Anchored by David Muir and Linsey Davis from Burlington, Vermont, the program features Nat Geo talents like…

[insightinvestnews]

APAC Solar Street Lighting Market Will Advance at a 16.4% CAGR

The APAC solar street lighting market was USD 2,315.9 million in 2023, which will rise to USD 6,691.2 million, advancing at a 16.4% CAGR, by 2030.

A key trend observed in this industry is the increasing acceptance of smart solar streetlights. Moreover, smart lighting systems are power-effective because they employ LED lights and offer distinctive sensors and control units in every lamp, which allow data communication to central controlling systems.

The centralized category, on the basis of structure type, led the industry. This can be because of the increasing on-grid based solar streetlight disposition that gets a constant electric source from a grid to fuel lights at a great illumination.

The solar panel category, based on component, was the largest contributor to the APAC solar street lighting market in 2023, with a 35% share. This can be because it is essential for the operation of entire street lighting via renewable energy.

The lamp category, on the other hand, will advance at the fastest compound annual growth rate in the coming years. This is mainly because of the increasing acceptance of LEDs in solar streetlights. The increasing emphasis on adopting LEDs is because of the rising government proposals in nations, such as China and India, for the acceptance of energy-effective LED lights.

China led the industry, and it is likely to advance at a 17.0% compound annual growth rate, in the coming years. This can be mainly because of the continuing building of several highways, streets, flyovers, and airports; and the increasing urbanization.

With the growing number of smart cities in this region, the APAC solar street lighting industry will advance continuously in the coming years.

[rhk111sblog]

Another Chinese Vehicle Company will make Malaysia as their Hub for Exports in South East Asia (SEA) while another Chinese Solar Photo Voltaic Cell Company is investing Usd 380 million to put up a Factory there; Vietnam’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs visited China and said that her Country “Treasures” its ties with China while their President told Xi Jinping himself that Vietnam’s relations with China is their “Top Priority” as a Chinese Company making Smart Electronics will put up a Usd 50 million Factory there