Media: Iran War Drives Surge in Solar Sales Across Asia, China Poised to Be Largest Beneficiary
A report by the Associated Press indicates that due to soaring fuel costs triggered by the Iran war, Asian consumers heavily impacted are increasingly turning to rooftop solar power. This trend is likely to present a major business opportunity for China, which is the world’s largest supplier of solar technology.
The Philippines, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has become one of the hardest-hit countries in Southeast Asia following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that local airlines in the Philippines are considering fuel rationing measures, while public transport workers are receiving government cash subsidies. Gasoline and diesel prices have also surged dramatically. After declaring a national energy emergency, a survey of 20 domestic solar companies found that weekly solar installations have increased by 70% since the conflict began, with customer inquiries rising sixfold.
As demand rises driven by the war, China stands to benefit significantly. Data from the energy think tank Ember shows that China's clean technology equipment exports reached an all-time high in March this year, as global interest in solar energy continues to grow.
Climate organizations estimate that during the first 60 days of the Iran war, rising oil and gas prices have imposed additional costs exceeding $60 million on Philippine consumers, businesses, and public institutions. According to a survey by the New Energy Alliance, monthly rooftop solar inquiries in the Philippines were around 115 in February—just before the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28—and had risen to over 450 by mid-April.
The Philippines is just one example illustrating how rapidly solar energy is spreading across Southeast Asia. Indonesia has set ambitious targets to install 100 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity by 2034, compared to only 1.3 gigawatts currently. Vietnam plans to ensure that at least 10% of public institutions and households nationwide have rooftop solar installations by 2030. Thailand is also considering new policies that would increase the grid’s buyback price for excess electricity generated by rooftop solar systems, thereby offering higher returns to solar users.
Since the outbreak of the Iran war, online shopping platforms and utility companies across the U.S. and Europe have reported surges in solar product sales and inquiries. Jan Rosenow, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy at Oxford University, stated: "Solar power is absolutely one of the easiest ways people can cut their monthly electricity bills." He noted that compared to purchasing electric vehicles or installing heat pumps, rooftop solar is more affordable and accessible, making it the most feasible clean energy solution to implement.
The energy think tank Ember reports that China exported a total of 68 gigawatts of clean technology products in March this year—equivalent to the entire solar capacity of Spain and double the amount exported in February. Ember believes the Iran war is accelerating the global energy transition. China’s exports to Africa reached 10 gigawatts, up 176% from February, with particularly strong growth in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Exports to other Asian countries doubled to 39 gigawatts, with notable increases to India, Malaysia, and Laos.
Thus, analysts suggest that the current situation in Iran will help China further solidify its dominant position in the clean technology sector.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865142479386636/
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