JinkoSolar eyes strategic expansion in Africa

JinkoSolar, the world's largest solar panel producer by shipments, is pressing ahead with overseas expansion plans with a strategic focus on Africa, to secure a leading position in both the solar as well as energy storage sectors.

Over the past three years, the company has delivered 5.2 gigawatts of solar panels and 100 megawatt-hours of energy storage systems to 45 countries in Africa, representing 15 percent of the continent's market share, said Qian Jing, vice-president of JinkoSolar.

"The company has been increasing its local presence by establishing subsidiaries across key markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, which have ambitious and decisive energy transition goals and relatively stable political and financial environments, making them prime targets for growth," she said.

"With vast land resources, a large population still lacking access to electricity, and abundant solar potential, the continent has a stronger demand for renewable energy than many other regions and its potential as a solar energy market is unmatched."

Analysts believe Africa presents a unique opportunity for solar developers, even as challenges — such as poor grid and transportation infrastructure, small and geographically dispersed project capacities, and a shortage of talent — persist.

Africa displays great potential when it comes to harnessing solar power, with the continent home to multiple growth markets that can take advantage of today's record-low solar panel prices, said Nickolas Lua, a solar supply chain analyst at global consultancy Rystad Energy.

"Solar panels in sun-drenched North Africa yield up to three times more energy than those in Europe, and the region has ample space for more solar installations to come," he said.

"As it is, North Africa accounts for one-fifth of the continent's solar power capacity and is home to some of the world's largest solar installations, such as Egypt's Benban solar complex."

According to Lua, major market in South Africa is also one to watch. The potential market size of the country's rooftop solar segment alone is a respectable 86 GW, and businesses and households there have installed solar panels to avoid grid-induced blackouts.

Chinese solar companies' increasing presence in Africa will provide an excellent opportunity to expand the country's renewable energy footprint and showcase its technological advancements on the global stage, said Luo Zuoxian, an analyst at the Sinopec Economics and Development Research Institute.

Successful implementation of the projects will not only bolster China's renewable energy industry, but also strengthen its economic ties with African countries, fostering a long-term strategic partnership, he said.

JinkoSolar has made significant progress in addressing these issues by exporting not only its products, but also its technology and expertise.

The company provides on-site and off-site training programs for local engineers to enhance their ability to install and maintain solar and energy storage systems, in addition to providing advanced solar technologies, such as its high-efficiency TOPCon panels, which are specifically designed for tropical climates like those found in Africa, with a lower temperature coefficient and degradation rate.

The company's landmark projects in Africa include the supply of 25 MW N-type TOPCon panels for the first solar-powered hydrogen project at Namibia's Oshivela Green Iron plant. This plant, set to become the first commercial green iron production facility in Africa, represents a milestone in the continent's industrial green revolution. JinkoSolar has also signed a memorandum of understanding to secure orders for the project's second and third phases, with a total capacity of up to 1.8 GW, it said.

By combining solar power with hydrogen, JinkoSolar is helping Africa pioneer clean energy solutions, significantly enhancing the continent's competitiveness in global markets.

Qian said JinkoSolar has outlined a comprehensive plan to expand its presence in Africa over the next five to 10 years, aiming to deepen its penetration into more African countries, further strengthen its position in the solar markets, and foster innovation by exploring applications such as solar-powered desalination.

"Our long-term vision is to lead Africa's energy transition by driving investment, innovation, and technology transfer," she said.

"We are committed to being a key player in Africa's journey toward renewable energy and sustainability, by leveraging our established network."