China-built PV glass plant debuts in Turkiye

China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd, the world's largest glass engineering service provider, has successfully launched an 800-metric-ton-per-day ultra-clear rolled photovoltaic (PV) glass production line in Tarsus, Turkiye, marking the deployment of innovative Chinese technology to help advance Turkiye's green energy transition.

The facility is so far the largest of its kind in Europe and West Asia, as well as Turkiye's largest and most technologically advanced PV glass production line. Ultra-clear PV glass, a vital encapsulation material for PV modules, features high solar transmittance and low absorption rates, and can maximize photoelectric conversion efficiency.

The project was constructed under a general contract by CTIEC, and its owner is Turkiye's Sisecam, one of the world's top three manufacturers of glassware. With a 200-million-euro ($232.3 million) investment, this initiative will assist Sisecam to meet the rising demand for glass in the solar energy industry and enhance export potentials.

Constructed entirely using Chinese standards, technologies and equipment, the production line will be able to produce 130,000 square meters of high-quality PV glass daily once operational, said CTIEC.

"The high-quality glass will be crucial for PV module manufacturing, meeting local market demands in Turkiye while extending their reach across the European market, significantly enhancing the supply capacity of the PV industry in the region," said Xu Bin, Party secretary and chairman of CTIEC.

Can Yucel, Sisecam CEO, said the ignition of the energy glass line within the Tarsus production complex, which includes flat glass, coated glass, energy glass and sand preparation facilities, is not merely the start of production. It represents a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

"With its capacity, advanced technology and strategic location, this line marks the beginning of a new era in Sisecam's global energy glass journey," said Yucel, adding that the facility is scheduled to begin production on Wednesday.

To ensure the project's smooth execution, CTIEC provided a full life-cycle engineering service model, offering a one-stop solution from project planning, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, to installation guidance and operational maintenance.

A comprehensive application of high-end glass equipment and intelligent systems, all with independent intellectual property rights — such as rolling machines, annealing furnaces, cold-end equipment, automated guided vehicle systems and deep processing equipment — has not only facilitated the international expansion of some upstream and downstream enterprises in the domestic industry chain, but also shifted the focus of the cooperation between the two sides, from hardware export to standards and concepts export, according to CTIEC.

"The high-capacity furnaces enable lower energy consumption, while automated transport vehicles and semi-automatic packaging systems maximize digitalization and operational efficiency. Our products are expected to serve a wide market from Turkiye to Europe and the United States, and will stand out with features that enhance energy efficiency," said Yucel.

Former officials with Turkiye's energy authority said that without Chinese technologies, their transition toward renewable energy would take longer. The country's demand for renewable energy, especially solar power, has surged in recent years. According to Turkiye's national energy plan released in 2022, the share of renewable energy in electricity generation is set to rise to 65 percent by 2035.

"The successful implementation of this project not only meets Turkiye's industrial upgrade and energy transition needs, but also showcases China's technological prowess and standard-setting influence in the green energy sector," said Xu.