## Sungrow Drives Global Energy Transformation at COP29: Renewable Energy Innovation for a Zero-Carbon Future
As COP29, themed “In Solidarity for a Green World,” convened global leaders and industry experts from nearly 200 nations, Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. took center stage. Thompson Meng, Vice President of Sungrow’s PV & Storage Business Group, participated in a pivotal roundtable discussion focused on “Driving Global Energy Transformation Through Effective Renewable Energy Industry Cooperation.” His insights underscored Sungrow’s unwavering commitment to achieving a zero-carbon future through groundbreaking renewable energy innovation.
Tackling the Energy Transition’s Complexities:
The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in renewable energy adoption. While solar and wind power generated a mere 1.7% of global electricity in 2020, this figure soared to an impressive 13.4% in 2023 – a testament to the rapid advancements in the sector. However, this rapid growth presents significant challenges. High penetration of renewable energy sources, coupled with the widespread use of power electronics, introduces complexities to grid stability and resilience. The escalating adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), while environmentally beneficial, further exacerbates the issue by adding unpredictable demand-side fluctuations that current grids struggle to manage.
Meng emphasized the critical need for a renewable-centered power system to achieve carbon neutrality. He highlighted the importance of integrating renewable energy systems with capabilities to provide inertia support, frequency regulation, and voltage control. This necessitates a shift towards grid-forming technologies, particularly in solar and energy storage systems. A stark example illustrating this need emerged on Christmas Eve 2023. A high-voltage transmission line failure between the UK and France resulted in a 1 GW power loss in the UK grid, causing a rapid frequency drop from 50 Hz to 49.3 Hz. With wind power exceeding 50% of generation, the lack of sufficient grid inertia support exacerbated the situation. Sungrow’s grid-scale energy storage systems, equipped with advanced grid-forming technologies, responded swiftly, restoring grid stability and preventing a widespread blackout. This real-world demonstration showcased the vital role of energy storage in ensuring grid reliability and resilience, participating actively in frequency response markets and dynamically addressing fluctuations in power demand.
Innovation at the Core of a Sustainable Future:
Sungrow’s unwavering commitment to innovation is deeply ingrained in its corporate DNA. The company boasts a robust global R&D network, encompassing six research centers strategically located in Hefei, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Germany, and the Netherlands. This network fuels the development of competitive solutions across solar, wind, energy storage, EV equipment, and green hydrogen technologies, addressing the growing demand for scalable renewable energy infrastructure. Meng highlighted Sungrow’s proactive approach, stating, “We’ve learned how to capture renewable energy. What’s more: We’re doing it. By innovating both technology and business models, we’re making clean energy more accessible and affordable worldwide, advancing a more equitable energy landscape.”
Landmark Projects: Shaping a Sustainable Future:
Sungrow’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its involvement in several landmark projects. The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia, poised to become one of the world’s first entirely renewable-powered hydrogen production facilities, exemplifies this dedication. Sungrow is supplying 2.2 GW of PV inverters and a 600 MWh energy storage system, significantly contributing to NEOM’s vision of sustainable urban development. Furthermore, Sungrow’s 7.8 GWh battery storage project in Saudi Arabia, among the largest globally, underlines the crucial role of energy storage in grid stabilization and managing renewable energy variability. This project utilizes Sungrow’s cutting-edge liquid-cooled energy storage system, PowerTitan 2.0. The company’s impact extends to Azerbaijan, where Sungrow supplied the nation’s first and largest utility-scale solar project, providing clean energy to over 110,000 homes.
A Global-Local Approach:
Sungrow’s global reach, encompassing operations in over 170 countries, coupled with its localized teams providing expert technical assistance and after-sales support through more than 490 service outlets, enables the delivery of tailored solutions to diverse markets. This global-local strategy ensures customers receive reliable, long-term support, maximizing system performance and contributing to the global energy transition. As the world transitions toward a sustainable energy future, Sungrow remains at the forefront, driving innovation and partnering with stakeholders to deliver cleaner, more efficient, and reliable power solutions for all.
About Sungrow:
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has been pioneering sustainable power solutions for over 27 years. As of June 2024, Sungrow has installed 605 GW of power electronic converters worldwide, holding the position of world’s No. 1 in PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the most bankable Asian energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovative solutions power clean energy projects across 170+ countries, supported by a network of 490 service outlets ensuring exceptional customer experience.
