Will China play a big role in Kazakh and Uzbek solar markets?

China, with a surfeit of domestic solar equipment manufacturers nurtured under subsidies that ended two years ago, is gunning for a big role in the fast-growing Kazakh and Uzbek solar markets.

Are China and Kazakhstan preparing for a big solar market?

After years of making big promises to invest in solar, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are now competing to open the largest solar fields in Central Asia. And neighboring China, with a surfeit of domestic solar equipment manufacturers nurtured under subsidies that ended two years ago, is gunning for a big role in these fast-growing solar markets.

Is China a big player in Kazakhstan's new solar projects?

China, which now produces 70 percent of the world’s solar panels, is well represented in Kazakhstan’s new renewable projects, but it is not the only player. Kazakhstan’s largest solar project – a 100 MW field in Saran, Karaganda Province – was opened last year by a German company, also with EBRD backing.

Why did China give Kazakhstan a 1 MW solar plant?

By 2017, as China’s domestic solar capacity was outstripping demand, Beijing reined in its liberal aid for producers and instructed them to seek business abroad. The PRC offered Kazakhstan a taste of its technologies, gifting a 1 MW solar plant to the Alatau Innovation Park near Almaty.

What happened to Uzbekenergo solar?

In December 2016, when Uzbekenergo finally sealed a deal with Shandong-based China Shuifa Singyes Energy Holdings, ADB even negotiated for the company to operate and maintain the solar plant for three years after commissioning.

Should Chinese investors invest in Uzbekistan?

Beijing appears undeterred. A glossy investor guide distributed by its embassy tells would-be Chinese investors that “Uzbekistan has more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year and is rich in solar energy. [...]