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.

Redefine the future of urban mobility! Join us at the Metro Rail Conference 2025 to explore groundbreaking ideas and insights. 👉 Register today!

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
Infrastructure Urban

EET Secures $350 Mn Financing For Decarbonisation

EET Fuels, the trading name of Essar Oil - UK, said it has attracted new financing facilities demonstrating market confidence in the company’s decarbonisation strategy, market position and strategic importance. According to the official press release, the company has agreed $350 million in re-financing through a combination of a new bank financing and upsizing of existing trade credit financing facilities in this quarter. This follows the announcement in October 2024 of $650 million in financing facilities including a new receivable facility with ABN AMRO Bank and the extension of ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

MNRE Issues Operational Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has issued operational guidelines for implementing various components under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme aims to facilitate the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the residential sector through innovative financing and implementation models. The guidelines detail the implementation of two models for rooftop solar installations. Under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, third-party entities will invest in rooftop solar installations, allowing consumers to pay only for electricity consumed without bear..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

BP Warns of Low Profit as Production Falls

BP warned that lower production, weak refining margins and sluggish trading would see its profit in the fourth quarter of 2024 fall from the previous three months. Since taking the helm a year ago, CEO Murray Auchincloss has scaled back the firm's energy transition strategy in an effort to boost profits and regain investor confidence as BP's share lags behind its competitors. A capital markets event previously scheduled for Feb. 11 in New York will instead take place on Feb. 26 in London, BP said, as Auchincloss is recovering from a planned medical procedure. BP said the drop in refi..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000