CONNECT WITH US
Sep 24, 14:38
United Renewable Energy eyes US plant, space-based solar power in revenue push

Solar cell manufacturer and systems integrator United Renewable Energy (URE) is still awaiting a final decision on the location of its US solar module plant, a joint venture with Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS), although production has now been set to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The upcoming US plant is expected to lift overseas revenue in its solar power business, which accounts for 70% of the company's total revenue; overseas sales currently account for roughly 20% of revenue in this segment and could double in 2027 amid strong demand. Moreover, the company is actively developing and testing solar power products for use in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites with an eye on future growth, according to company chairman Sam Hong.

Foxtron Vehicle Technologies said its overseas expansion is taking shape as exports to New Zealand and Australia enter their final countdown, with a planned Poland factory with ElectroMobility Poland also drawing attention. On September 22, Foxtron Chairman Andy Lee said Europe's strict emissions rules and strong environmental awareness make it a key electric vehicle (EV) market, while localization and shared platforms are central to the company's strategy.

Changs Ascending's board approved an operating plan on Sept. 21 to launch an energy systems integration push into the AI data center sector, betting on structurally rising demand from AI computing centers for stable power, backup power, and ESS. The lithium battery materials maker aims to extend its proven UPS, lithium iron phosphate battery and BESS integration capabilities in semiconductor sites into AI data center power infrastructure as the next growth engine for its energy business.

South Korea and the US have hit an impasse in final-stage investment talks over commercial viability safeguards, with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung saying that some parts are hard to accept. The deadlock is raising concerns that the months-long negotiations over South Korea's investment plans in the US could collapse.

US-based First Solar, best known for thin-film solar production, plans to withdraw its Section 337 complaint under the Tariff Act of 1930 and resume patent lawsuits against rivals. Market observers say the company still wields significant firepower in the US TOPCon patent war.

China has introduced its first national standard for perovskite photovoltaics, a move that could improve how solar performance is measured and compared worldwide. The new rules are likely to support industry transparency, help investors assess progress more accurately, and speed commercialization by reducing inconsistencies in testing data across markets.

Taiwan is developing an emissions trading scheme (ETS) alongside its carbon fee system, with the Ministry of Environment planning to issue a pilot-plan draft by the end of 2026 and targeting a pilot launch in 2028 to align with international systems. Minister Chi-Ming Peng said the pilot will cover 20 companies and 126 factories, and participation will be voluntary.

Taiwan will launch a pilot emissions trading scheme (ETS) by the end of 2026 to help semiconductor and technology manufacturers align with international systems. Ministry of Environment adviser and former deputy environment minister Wen-Chen Shih said the ETS design must address three key areas.

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) has been in force since Aug. 12, 2026, underscoring the rising importance of circular materials as sustainability pressures intensify. Hsu Hsiang-jui, deputy general manager of the Plastic Industry Development Center, said the circular economy is driving five major trends: reduction and recycling, reuse, mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and circular materials.

International conflicts, shifting trade rules, and rising carbon costs are forcing companies worldwide to rethink investment plans and supply chains. The EU has proposed extending free carbon allowances for sectors covered by its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), while tightening decarbonization expectations, underscoring how climate policy and geopolitics are becoming increasingly linked for global industry.

DIGITIMES Intelligence observes that discussions at the semiconductor sustainability and energy forum during SEMICON Taiwan 2026 centered on two questions: whether Taiwan will have enough electricity to support continued semiconductor expansion driven by AI, and whether that electricity will come from renewable sources.

Star Shining, an AUO Group affiliate, signed an IPO advisory agreement with Cathay Securities on September 15, formally starting its capital markets process in Taiwan. The renewable energy developer said it is targeting a listing in 2028 after building and managing 676MW of renewable energy capacity.