SEMA urges solar policy reform, citing China dependency
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEMA urges solar policy reform, citing China dependency

After US Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen's visit to China, the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition urged immediate White House and Treasury action regarding the issues confronting domestic solar manufacturing. The coalition expressed worries about the accumulation of below-cost imported solar modules and requested an update to the domestic content bonus credit rules of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

SEMA highlighted that the existing credit system allows modules mainly made in China to be treated as if they were produced in the US with minimal domestic processing. According to them, this policy undermines local manufacturers and increases US reliance on Chinese solar products.

Mike Carr, Executive Director of SEMA Coalition, stated, "We?re heartened that Secretary Yellen acknowledged the unlevel playing field from which Chinese-headquartered solar manufacturers are currently benefiting and the fragility inherent in the U.S.?s dependence on China for solar. But it?s time to act. The White House must act aggressively to re-balance the playing field and end the destructive race to the bottom we are currently in with importers."

The Coalition advocates for policies supporting the expansion of a sustainable domestic solar manufacturing supply chain, with an emphasis on including U.S.-produced solar grade polysilicon and solar wafer in the Domestic Content Bonus calculation.

Carr added, "The government is facilitating a dependence on China that we wouldn?t allow in any other sector; we must ensure our stability and security as we transition to clean energy."

A report commissioned by SEMA and authored by Guidehouse Insights highlighted the opportunity and policy recommendations for onshoring the solar manufacturing industry to strengthen US energy security and address the challenges posed by the current dominance of foreign interests in the industry.

After US Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen's visit to China, the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition urged immediate White House and Treasury action regarding the issues confronting domestic solar manufacturing. The coalition expressed worries about the accumulation of below-cost imported solar modules and requested an update to the domestic content bonus credit rules of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). SEMA highlighted that the existing credit system allows modules mainly made in China to be treated as if they were produced in the US with minimal domestic processing. According to them, this policy undermines local manufacturers and increases US reliance on Chinese solar products. Mike Carr, Executive Director of SEMA Coalition, stated, We?re heartened that Secretary Yellen acknowledged the unlevel playing field from which Chinese-headquartered solar manufacturers are currently benefiting and the fragility inherent in the U.S.?s dependence on China for solar. But it?s time to act. The White House must act aggressively to re-balance the playing field and end the destructive race to the bottom we are currently in with importers. The Coalition advocates for policies supporting the expansion of a sustainable domestic solar manufacturing supply chain, with an emphasis on including U.S.-produced solar grade polysilicon and solar wafer in the Domestic Content Bonus calculation. Carr added, The government is facilitating a dependence on China that we wouldn?t allow in any other sector; we must ensure our stability and security as we transition to clean energy. A report commissioned by SEMA and authored by Guidehouse Insights highlighted the opportunity and policy recommendations for onshoring the solar manufacturing industry to strengthen US energy security and address the challenges posed by the current dominance of foreign interests in the industry.

Next Story
Real Estate

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Next Story
Real Estate

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement