A groundbreaking partnership has been forged between Carbon, a French photovoltaic pioneer, and LONGi, a leading Chinese industrial powerhouse. This strategic alliance aims to revolutionize Europe's photovoltaic landscape by establishing a cutting-edge "Gigafactory" in France. But here's where it gets controversial...
While Carbon initially planned to adopt TOPCon cell technology, a bold shift has occurred, with the company now embracing LONGi's expertise in BC (Back Contact) cell technology. This strategic move promises to accelerate Europe's transition towards a more localized and sustainable photovoltaic supply chain.
Nicolas Chandellier, Carbon's CEO, emphasizes the significance of this partnership. By leveraging LONGi's industrial prowess and technological advancements, the time from construction to commercial operation will be drastically reduced, ensuring internationally competitive standards in both quality and cost.
LONGi's support extends to the development of Carbon One, a photovoltaic module assembly pilot plant. This facility will serve as a testing ground for industrial processes, supply chain management, and capacity ramp-up strategies, all crucial elements for the successful mass production of modules at the planned Gigafactory.
Located in Miramas, France, the Gigafactory project spans an impressive 16,000 square meters. With an annual module production capacity of 700 MW, it represents a significant upgrade from the original plan, increasing capacity by 200 MW.
At the recent Energaïa exhibition, Carbon solidified its commitment to European energy independence by signing memoranda of understanding with nine influential European independent power producers (IPPs), including Tenergie and Technique Solaire. These agreements guarantee the purchase of substantial module quantities in 2027 and 2028, contingent on European assembly becoming a critical criterion for AOS eligibility starting in 2026.
This partnership between Carbon and LONGi is a bold step towards a greener and more sustainable future. It raises the question: Can this strategic alliance truly accelerate Europe's transition to a more localized and environmentally conscious energy landscape? We invite you to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
