International Development of New Energy Enterprises Forum

The theme of this forum is to explore the globalization of new energy enterprises, with a particular focus on the role and challenges of internationalization in the process of corporate development. Participants, mainly experts and leaders from academia and the corporate sector, will discuss how new energy companies can achieve supply chain resilience, absorb excess capacity, and enhance competitiveness through globalization. The discussion will also address the challenges that new energy companies face during internationalization, such as policy and market environment issues. 

• The Background and Importance of Globalization for New Energy Enterprises

- Last year’s COP28 set a goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, which presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring a significant increase in new renewable energy installations annually.

- The internationalization of new energy companies is an inevitable trend. The importance of internationalization for new energy companies lies in three main aspects: supply chain resilience, absorption of excess capacity, and enhancing competitiveness.

• Issues and Challenges in the Internationalization of New Energy Enterprises

- Companies face differences in legal frameworks, market environments, and user experiences during the internationalization process, necessitating localized development and understanding of local policies, such as the U.S. RIRA and by-parties-infection regulations.

- Geopolitical factors, rapid policy changes, electricity price fluctuations affecting investors' revenue, financing, and local crowdfunding are also challenges faced by companies.

• The Role and Practice of Internationalization for New Energy Enterprises

- Internationalization facilitates technology exchange and capacity building, allowing companies to learn from advanced nations while helping other developing countries enhance their capabilities.

- For example, Chinese companies in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, which hold a leading position globally, should take responsibility for localizing capacity, optimizing processes, and integrating with local economies to achieve on-the-ground impact.

• Case Studies and Experiences in the Internationalization of New Energy Enterprises

- Chinese EV companies face restrictions under the IRA policy, where vehicles made with more than 50% of battery materials from China or non-North American countries are ineligible for the $7,500 subsidy.

- EV dot car enterprises are leveraging technology to provide platforms, deeply collaborating with dealers and automakers to support online car purchases, which is seen as the future direction.

- LONGi has established factories in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and joint ventures in the U.S., achieving localization and contributing to local economies. However, policies such as IRA’s subsidy regulations significantly influence investment decisions in the photovoltaic sector.

• Financing Issues and Solutions for the Internationalization of New Energy Enterprises

- New energy companies face financing difficulties when going abroad. Project financing differs from corporate financing, with lenders basing loans on project returns, but issues such as policy instability and insurance remain challenges.

- Chinese financial institutions and green finance have made significant efforts to address financing challenges, but in terms of internationalization, they need to consider incentive mechanisms to help financial institutions overcome difficulties and address systemic issues like grid integration.

- Photovoltaic power stations are suitable for long-term investments, with predictable returns and ease of transfer, but their financing potential is limited in developing countries due to immature capital markets.

• The Triangular Relationship and Localization Characteristics in the Internationalization of New Energy Enterprises

- In the new energy landscape, policy, finance, and technology form a coupled triangular relationship, all of which are indispensable. In the U.S., policy implementation often starts from the center outward, so understanding local characteristics is crucial for the internationalization of enterprises.

• LONGi’s Scientific Exploration Initiatives and Practices

- LONGi proposed the concept of using clean energy to manufacture clean energy products at COP24, such as building the world's first zero-carbon factory in Baoshan, Yunnan. Through practices like zero-carbon factories and lighthouse factories, LONGi is implementing the SBTI (Science Based Targets Initiative) principles.

• Case Studies of Chinese Companies Going Global and Integrating with Local Policies

- The Boston city government collaborated with one of the largest charging network companies, which provided technology and partnered with local businesses through the Black Economic Development Chamber to install infrastructure, successfully combining international enterprises with local communities and gaining city government support.

• Talent Strategy

- The discussion also covered talent strategies for Chinese companies in the U.S., focusing on how to make these strategies more competitive and how to better integrate students to enhance their competitiveness during the process.