[NetZero1Beonjiga] Hanwha Q CELLS Shouts Solar Power at the Center of 'Carbon Neutrality'

EU aims for 'Carbon Neutrality' by 2050
Hanwha Q CELLS Secures European Market with Strong Brand Power
Showcases Technological Prowess through Patent Litigation with Chinese Firms

▲Overview of the solar power plant

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] "In Europe, we are better known as the solar energy company ‘Q CELLS’ rather than ‘Hanwha.’ Even major golf tournament sponsorships are under the name ‘Q CELLS,’ not ‘Hanwha.’"

Hanwha Q CELLS is a solar company more famous in Europe than in Korea. The fact that EuPD, a European solar energy research institute, has selected Hanwha Q CELLS as the top solar brand for eight consecutive years since 2014 demonstrates the company’s strong brand power.

Hanwha Q CELLS plans to expand its business in Europe this year. The key focus is ‘low carbon.’ They intend to establish a production system for low-carbon solar modules that emit fewer greenhouse gases in Europe.

There is a reason why Hanwha Q CELLS is targeting the European market. In July last year, the European Union (EU) announced a large-scale carbon emission reduction plan to address climate change by 2050. Specifically, the goal is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions within the region by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality with net zero emissions by 2050.

Signs of change are also emerging in the renewable energy market. Until now, holding only a carbon footprint certification (750kgCO2·kW or less) allowed participation in public solar power project bids, but starting this year, the minimum carbon emission standard for participating in utility-scale public solar power project bids has been tightened to 550kgCO2·kW.

Europe is a highly competitive market between Hanwha Q CELLS and Chinese companies. Hanwha Q CELLS’ strong brand power in the European market is attributed to its technological capabilities. In 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Chinese solar companies in Germany and won the first trial last year. According to the first trial ruling, Chinese companies are prohibited from selling patent-infringing products. Although they were ordered to recall the infringing products sold last year, they failed to comply and were fined. The second trial results are expected to be announced this year, with forecasts that the first trial ruling will be upheld. Through the patent infringement lawsuit, Hanwha Q CELLS has been further recognized for its technology and brand power.

A Hanwha official said, "Since acquiring Germany’s Q CELLS in 2012, we have continued investing for 10 years," adding, "We will devote all efforts to lead the next-generation solar cells and solar market in Europe, which has taken the lead in carbon regulations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.