China's solar industry is heading into a volatile period as an impending export tax policy change exposes structural strains across the supply chain, increasing the risk of a market shakeout in the second quarter of 2026.
As the global race to build ever-larger artificial intelligence models accelerates, the reliable operation of AI data centers has emerged as a decisive factor in the competition for computing power. Seetel, a Taiwan-based energy solutions provider, is seeking to capitalize on this demand by offering end-to-end EPC services—spanning planning, engineering, construction, testing, and operations—to deliver customized power and energy storage solutions tailored to AI data center infrastructure.
Reports that Reliance Industries has paused plans to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells have reignited debate over India's clean-energy ambitions, highlighting technology bottlenecks even as the conglomerate insists its net-zero strategy and investment roadmap remain firmly on track.
EV manufacturer Ola Electric has rolled out Ola Shakti, a residential battery energy storage system (BESS), from its gigafactory in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, marking the company's formal entry into India's residential energy storage market and an expansion beyond its core automotive business, according to ANI, PV Magazine, and the Economic Times.
China's total trade in goods reached CNY45.47 trillion (approx. US$6.51 trillion) in 2025, marking a 3.8% year-over-year increase and setting a new record, the General Administration of Customs announced on January 14. Exports rose 6.1% to CNY26.99 trillion, while imports edged up 0.5% to CNY18.48 trillion, maintaining China's status as the largest merchandise trader globally.
As China–US technological and industrial rivalry intensifies, Beijing is strengthening its trade defence measures. China's Ministry of Commerce announced on the 13th that anti-dumping duties on imported solar-grade polysilicon from the US and South Korea will be extended for another five years from January 14, 2026.
Darfon is actively expanding into the energy and high-end niche application markets. Its subsidiary focused on new energy solutions, Darfon Energy Tech, announced on January 12, 2026, that its board approved a cash acquisition of up to NT$540 million (approx. US$17.1 million) for 100% equity in Hitron. This move reportedly aims to integrate both companies' power supply technology strengths and further expand their footprint in edge AI, industrial control, and medical application markets.
Ping Ho Environmental Technology said it will move beyond its core wastewater treatment business and invest in recycling waste sulfuric acid from the semiconductor industry into raw materials for green building products. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2026. The company will also continue to cautiously evaluate new development or partnership opportunities in recycling and reuse to expand its circular economy business.
South Korea's exclusive focus on magnetic confinement fusion technology has raised concerns about its position in the evolving global fusion energy landscape, as other advanced countries pursue dual development paths that combine magnetic and laser nuclear fusion. Experts warn that this singular strategy could limit the nation's competitiveness in next-generation energy solutions.
Taiwan is overhauling how it selects offshore wind developers, abandoning protectionist localization requirements in favor of environmental credentials and proven execution capability—a major policy pivot for one of Asia's most ambitious renewable energy markets.
Changs Ascending Enterprise Co. (CAEC) reported strong shipments of its next-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) UPS battery systems for semiconductor fabs, driven by rising demand for high-end uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions. Its subsidiary Grenergy Enterprise Co. also secured new orders in emerging applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), supporting CAEC's improved operating performance in 2025.
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