Chinese Module Maker DMEGC Gets Carbon Neutral Certificate For Factory

DMEGC Solar’s factory in Sihong, Jiangsu Province, was designated a CO₂-neutral factory by TÜV SÜD on October 16. This is a historic achievement as it is the first photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer to receive a CO₂ certification certificate from the certification body.-neutral assessment. This recognition underscores DMEGC Solar’s commitment to Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction (ECER), following the company’s milestone of producing modules using 100% renewable energy in September.

As one of the first facilities authorized by the China Energy Conservation Association (CECA) to certify carbon-neutral factories, TÜV SÜD conducted an assessment of DMEGC Solar’s Sihong plant using the latest assessment specification for CO₂-neutral factories (T/CECA-G 0171-2022). The assessment confirmed that the Sihong plant is 99% greenhouse gas neutral and runs entirely on electricity from renewable energy sources. These achievements qualify the plant as a Type I factory with a four-star certification for CO₂ neutrality and consolidate its position as a pioneer in the PV sector.

DMEGC Solar signed a strategic cooperation agreement with TÜV SÜD at the end of July 2023, focusing on carbon neutrality and carbon-free factories. After setting this ambitious target, the solar module manufacturer launched a number of forward-looking initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions, including the introduction of a sophisticated digital and intelligent management platform, the refinement of the energy mix and the use of renewable energy in conjunction with carbon offset strategies. In addition, the company has integrated a distributed energy generation system into its facilities to promote the use of clean electricity. By retrofitting equipment and implementing precise operational controls, the company has streamlined its processes, resulting in cost savings and greater efficiency. The holistic approach also extends to greening the infrastructure of factories, office complexes and parks, coupled with strengthened waste recycling protocols and resource recovery mechanisms.

The Sihong plant, which is recognized as the “Green Factory” of Jiangsu Province and has received the French Certisolis certificate for a low carbon footprint, will be converted into a zero-carbon factory. In September, the plant achieved 100% renewable energy-based production for all PV modules, a significant step towards its goal of carbon neutrality. Through energy-saving modifications, such as the improvement of slat profiles and air curtains in the waste heat recovery systems, the plant can save up to 870,000 kWh of electricity annually, achieve a reduction of 594 tons of CO₂ emissions and avoid 254 tons of coal consumption. This achievement reflects the company’s continued commitment and rigorous efforts over the past few months.

DMEGC Solar has been a pioneer in the integration of decentralized photovoltaic systems at its main production sites. Looking to the future, DMEGC Solar has ambitious plans to add 44 MW of rooftop PV capacity to its factories in Sihong, Lianyungang and Yibin. DMEGC Solar is one of the first PV module manufacturers in the world to receive the French certification for low carbon emissions.