Spain's 20GW solar silicon wafer factory is about to start construction

Spanish company Tresca recently announced that it will lead the construction of Sunwafes' planned 20GW solar silicon wafer super factory in Spain, with the core goal of accelerating the landing of local production capacity, optimizing green production processes, and driving the growth of high skilled local jobs. Editor/Cheng Liting

Implementation of the new policy for localizing Tanzania's mining industry

In 2026, Tanzania's new mining policy officially came into effect, requiring that 20 key mining materials must be provided by local enterprises. The authorities have launched the construction of 21 manufacturing factories at the abandoned Buz Waji gold mine site, gradually replacing imports. This measure forces international suppliers to change their original pure export model, and Chinese enterprises need to turn to local production and supply through technology joint ventures and other means to cope with supply chain restructuring.Editor/Gao Xue

Laos 230kV Bamon 2-Napia power transmission and transformation project starts construction

Recently, the 230 kV Bameng 2-Napia power transmission and transformation project in Laos, jointly constructed by Hubei Engineering Company and Shanghai Electric Power Construction Company, has officially started construction. The project is located in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, with a planned total length of approximately 183 kilometers. The construction includes the construction of a new 230 kV transmission line and supporting substation project.Editor/Cheng Liting

Zhiguang Electric Secures Congo Mining Microgrid Order

Guangzhou Zhiguang Electric Co., Ltd. recently signed three cooperation agreements with Vinmart Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the photovoltaic storage microgrid project. The projects are located in the three major mining areas of the country and will use customized containerized energy storage systems from Zhiguang Electric. The system adopts an integrated design, integrating core intelligent control units such as PCS, BMS, EMS, etc., supporting full system pre installation and rapid on-site deployment, which can meet the strict requirements of mining areas for construction efficiency and operational reliability.Editor/Yang Meiling

Uzbekistan | Fergana Oblast deepens cooperation with China

The vice governor of Fergana State of Uzbekistan said that the state was becoming a promising export hub in Central Asia, and had deep cooperation with leading Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and BYD in high-tech and manufacturing industries. China Investment Special Working Group is set up in 19 cities and towns in the prefecture to provide full process services from enterprise registration to operation, and create an efficient docking platform for the "the Belt and Road" economic and trade cooperation.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Ethiopia | Ayesha Wind Power Project put into operation

The Addis Ababa wind power project, constructed by Chinese enterprises, has been put into operation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy and Djibouti President Guelleh attended the ceremony. The project will alleviate local power shortages and assist Ethiopia's energy transformation. At the same time, the main line of Ethiopia IR Highway Upgrading and Reconstruction Project contracted by China Railway Third Engineering Group Co., Ltd. was opened to traffic, improving regional traffic and adding more achievements to the "the Belt and Road" infrastructure cooperation in Africa.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Algeria | Africa's first desert heavy-duty railway opens

he first desert heavy haul railway in Africa, the Western Algeria Railway Mining Line, has been fully opened, with a total length of 950 kilometers, of which 575 kilometers were constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation. The railway has a maximum carrying capacity of 17000 tons and can transport 50 million tons of iron ore annually. It will also operate two-way passenger trains, injecting new momentum into the connectivity and economic development of southwestern Afghanistan, and becoming a benchmark for China Arab infrastructure cooperation.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Brussels Airport Light Rail Line Project Launched in Belgium

The first phase of the Brussels Airport Light Rail Line project in Belgium has been launched, which will build a new 12 kilometer line connecting the northern part of Brussels with Zafentyre Airport. It is planned to be opened by the end of 2030, with a total travel time of about 30 minutes. The route serves areas such as Schalke and Everl, and the airport has an airport terminal building Technics、 Da Vinci made three stops and crossed the ring road through a tunnel, setting up stations in places such as Caligulan. The city center section will be connected to the existing light rail network Line 62 near NATO. The project requires the construction of approximately 4 kilometers of track, including a 300 meter Brussels section, with a total investment of 240 million euros and an estimated daily passenger flow of 10000 people, to be operated by Stib. Editor/Cheng Liting

Infrastructure construction accelerates in six African countries

On February 1, 2026, the East and South African Trade and Development Bank announced the completion of a $250 million syndicated loan expansion agreement for Mota Engil Africa. The funds will be used to support major infrastructure projects in six countries including Angola, Nigeria, and Rwanda, including the Lobito Railway Corridor in Angola and the Kano Railway in Nigeria. The availability of funds coincides with the golden period of construction in many African countries, which will directly drive the project into a high-speed construction phase and alleviate the financial pressure on the supply chain. As a joint venture of China Communications Construction Corporation, Mota Engil's hybrid model has been recognized by international financial institutions and has brought supply chain and cooperation opportunities for Chinese enterprises to participate in regional projects.Editor/Gao Xue

Enery secures € 2.5 billion financing to launch Romanian solar storage project

In mid January 2026, independent renewable energy developer Enery made two advances in the Central and Eastern European markets. The company has successfully completed a long-term combination financing of over 250 million euros, which will be used to support the development of 300MW photovoltaic and 100MW energy storage projects in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. At the same time, its Ogrezeni photovoltaic energy storage hybrid project in Romania was officially launched, with a total scale of 761MWp photovoltaic and over 1GWh energy storage. It is expected to be connected to the grid in the summer of 2027 and become a leading project of its kind in Europe, aiming to enhance the flexibility of the regional power grid and drive the local economy.Editor/Gao Xue

Ambassador visits Kazakhstan to inspect workshop

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin visited Almaty University of Logistics and Transportation to inspect its Luban Workshop. Ambassador Han listened to the introduction and affirmed the role of the school in promoting education cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the Luban Workshop is an important measure to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and should play a demonstrative role in deepening vocational education cooperation and effectively benefiting the people of both countries.Editor/Gao Xue

Customs and taxation system launches large-scale restructuring

At the beginning of the 15th Five Year Plan in 2026, the customs and taxation systems will undergo a large-scale restructuring, with data networking and functional coordination as the core to deepen reforms. This restructuring integrates regulatory resources from both parties, promotes measures such as electronic data networking verification, breaks down information barriers, simplifies customs clearance and tax payment processes, and focuses on rectifying "tax havens" and illegal tax practices. By optimizing the tax management system and law enforcement coordination, the convenience of cross-border trade will be further improved, and institutional guarantees will be established for the construction of a unified national market.Editor/Bian Wenjun

All 13 passengers survived the beach crash of a passenger plane

On January 27th local time, a Cessna 208 aircraft operated by Indonesia's Smart Air Airlines experienced engine failure while flying on the Nabire to Kaimana route. The pilot urgently grounded the aircraft on a beach near Nabire airport. After the accident, the crew quickly organized evacuation, and the on-site rescue responded in a timely manner. All 13 passengers and 2 crew members on board safely escaped without any reports of serious injuries or fatalities. At present, relevant departments are collecting details of the accident, and the specific cause of the malfunction is subject to further investigation and verification.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Indonesia: Top 10 New Members of China's New Energy Vehicle Exports

By 2025, the export volume of new energy vehicles from China will reach 3.43 million units, a year-on-year increase of 70%. Indonesia will enter the top ten with an export volume of 126500 units, becoming an impressive new member. Chinese brands such as Wuling and BYD occupy over 90% of the local pure electric market share with high cost-effectiveness and technological advantages, while brands such as Geely and Xiaopeng are accelerating their localization production layout. Through the whole industry chain and technical cooperation, Chinese enterprises help Indonesia to achieve green transformation and promote the cooperation of the "the Belt and Road" automobile industry to improve quality and efficiency.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Comprehensive construction of Zhongsha Desert wind power project

On January 8, 2026, the site leveling work for the 3rd booster station of the Shattestra wind power project officially began, marking the beginning of the comprehensive construction phase of the world's largest desert wind farm with a total investment of 19.5 billion yuan and an installed capacity of 2GW. The project is jointly developed by China Saudi Arabia Enterprises and includes nearly 2000 100 meter high wind turbines. It is expected to be completed and put into operation in 30 months, with a cumulative power generation of 213 billion kilowatt hours over 25 years. As a key project of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision, the project will assist in the transformation of Saudi Arabia's energy structure, reduce significant carbon emissions annually, and demonstrate China's international competitiveness in new energy engineering technology.Editor/Gao Xue

Vietnam's Jin'ou Province officially approves $183 million wind power project

On January 22, 2026, the province of Gia Long in Vietnam officially approved the construction of the Heping 5.1 (80 MW) and Donghai 1.3 (50 MW) wind farms, with a total investment of over 4.8 trillion dong (approximately 183 million US dollars). As the hinterland of the Mekong Delta, the province has already put 870.2 megawatts of wind power into operation, with 10 under construction and 22 to be developed. Renewable energy has become a pillar industry. Distributed photovoltaics are also growing rapidly, with a rooftop installed capacity of 295 megawatts. The provincial government promises to optimize the business environment and strive to build Jin'ou into a clean energy highland in southern Vietnam.Editor/Cheng Liting

Airo Energy has reached a cooperation agreement with Australian distributors

On January 26, 2026, Zhejiang Airo Network Energy Technology Co., Ltd. announced the signing of a 2026 sales cooperation agreement with Australian photovoltaic energy storage equipment distributor Raystech Group Pty Ltd. According to the agreement, Raystech will become Elo Energy's general agent for household energy storage in the Australian market, and promises to purchase no less than 1GWh of its energy storage battery products cumulatively by 2026. This cooperation will help Chinese energy storage companies expand their overseas markets and strengthen their layout in the international household energy storage field.Editor/Yang Meiling

The UK approves the construction of our new embassy in London

On January 21, 2026, the British government officially approved China's plan to build a new embassy on the site of the former Royal Mint in central London. After the completion of this new embassy with an area of 20000 square meters, it will integrate multiple existing diplomatic venues and become China's largest diplomatic facility in Europe, aiming to improve operational efficiency and facilitate bilateral exchanges at all levels. This move echoes British Prime Minister Stamer's plan to visit China at the beginning of the year and is seen as a positive signal for the continued development of bilateral relations between China and the UK. The approval process has gone through multiple departments in the UK and a comprehensive security risk management plan has been developed.Editor/Gao Xue

Kazakhstan AI Security Solution Exhibition in Hong Kong

Kazakhstan's AI security solution made its debut at the Hong Kong exhibition, showcasing its digital transformation achievements. The plan relies on local AI technology and national digital platforms, covering core capabilities such as data encryption protection and intelligent detection of network threats, and is equipped with local security servers to ensure data confidentiality. This exhibition not only showcases the strength of Kazakhstan's artificial intelligence industry development, but also builds an international cooperation bridge through the Hong Kong platform, injecting new momentum into regional security technology exchange and application landing.Editor/Bian Wenjun

HyOrc Green Methanol Project Achieves Breakthrough

Floating Court Hydrogen Energy, January 19, 2026- HyOrc has made critical progress in its first industrial grade green methanol project in Portugal. The project has entered into long-term procurement negotiations and has obtained the intention of cooperation from a global energy trading group, involving a potential supply of up to 25000 tons per year in the next decade. Its products have cost competitiveness and there is a strong demand for their use in the new EU regulations. This project marks the acceleration of the commercialization process of green methanol and is becoming one of the key options for decarbonizing European shipping.Editor/Gao Xue

China Power Construction signs overseas major order

On January 13, 2026, PowerChina announced that the company had recently signed two major overseas EPC general contracting contracts. Its subsidiary has signed a contract with a Kazakh enterprise for the first phase of a multifunctional rehabilitation center project worth approximately 6.873 billion yuan. At the same time, another subsidiary consortium signed a contract with a Laotian company for a 770 MW hydropower project worth approximately 8.716 billion yuan. The total amount of the two contracts is approximately 15.589 billion yuan, involving full process services such as engineering construction and equipment procurement. Editor/Gao Xue

600 million US dollars investment landing, helping Kazakhstan's cotton industry upgrade

600 million US dollars of Chinese investment has officially landed in the southern cotton cluster of Kazakhstan, injecting strong impetus into the upgrading of the country's cotton industry. The funds will be mainly used to promote drip irrigation water-saving technology, build full industry chain processing facilities, and promote the transformation from raw cotton exports to high value-added textile production. The project will improve the closed-loop system from planting to clothing, adapt to the supply demand of international luxury brands, create a large number of jobs, deepen China Kazakhstan agricultural cooperation, and help the coordinated development of regional industries under the "the Belt and Road" initiative.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Austria's OMV secures € 123 million financing to build green hydrogen plant

Austrian energy giant OMV AG recently announced that its green hydrogen electrolysis plant project located in the Bruker region of Austria has successfully received 123 million euros in financing support. The planned production capacity of the factory is 140 megawatts, and the annual green hydrogen output after completion can reach 23000 tons. It is expected to be put into operation in 2027. The project funding is mainly provided by the Austrian Federal Development Bank, with OMV investing hundreds of millions of euros and introducing Abu Dhabi energy company Masdar as a strategic investor. The factory will produce hydrogen through local green electricity and directly transport it to OMV Schwechat Refinery through a 22 kilometer dedicated pipeline. The project leader stated that this will provide important support for the company's decarbonization transformation. Editor/Cheng Liting

Vietnam seeks investment in $2.1 billion liquefied natural gas thermal power plant

On January 13, 2026, Thanh Hoa Province in Vietnam is seeking investors for the restart of the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas thermal power plant project. The total investment of the project is 2.1 billion US dollars, with a planned power generation capacity of 1500 megawatts, and is scheduled to be put into commercial operation by 2030. The project will be re tendered in April 2025, and the final investor has not yet been determined due to factors such as investment policies, technical requirements, and market fluctuations. Five international and local consortia have expressed their intention to participate. Editor/Gao Xue

Norway's Scatec signs contract with Egypt for Africa's largest solar storage project

On January 9, 2026, Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec signed a power purchase agreement with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to construct a comprehensive energy project consisting of 1.95GW of photovoltaic and 3.9GWh of energy storage. This project will become the largest integrated solar energy storage power station in Africa, with an expected annual production capacity of approximately 6000 GWh of renewable energy electricity. According to the agreement, Scatec will provide a complete optical storage system to achieve 24/7 stable power supply. In addition, the company will also develop two independent energy storage projects simultaneously to enhance grid stability and support service capabilities.Editor/Yang Meiling

Kuwait accelerates priority development of solar energy targets

In March 2026, the Kuwaiti government announced a three-year development plan for the power industry, prioritizing the development of solar energy and aiming to achieve a 30% share of clean electricity by 2030, accelerating the transformation of the energy structure. To achieve this goal, Kuwait has launched multiple large-scale renewable energy projects. The important driving force for the implementation of the plan comes from the cooperation between China and science. In March 2026, the two countries signed an agreement authorizing Chinese companies to undertake the supervision and management responsibilities of the third and fourth phases of the Shagaya renewable energy complex and the Al Abdiliya solar power station. The project is regularly coordinated and promoted by the ministerial committee to ensure efficient implementation. Editor/Gao Xue

Vietnam's total installed power capacity jumps to second place in ASEAN

According to data from Vietnam Electricity Group, by the end of 2025, the installed capacity of Vietnam's national power system will reach 87600 megawatts, ranking second in ASEAN and increasing by nearly 6400 megawatts compared to the previous year. Among them, the installed capacity of renewable energy wind power, solar power, and biomass energy is about 24400 megawatts, accounting for 27.9%; Coal fired thermal power accounts for 32.1%, while hydropower accounts for 28.1%. By 2025, the highest electricity load in China is expected to increase by 11.1% year-on-year, and the annual electricity consumption is expected to reach 322.8 billion kilowatt hours. At the same time, the annual investment of the country's power group increased by 14.7% year-on-year, and achieved 100% rural electrification nationwide. Editor/Gao Xue

Guizhou Tire's over 2 billion Moroccan production base project has received full approval

Guizhou Tire recently announced that its intelligent manufacturing project for producing 6 million semi steel radial tires annually in Morocco has been unanimously approved by the board of directors. The total investment of this project is about 299 million US dollars, and it will be located in Tangier Science and Technology City, Morocco. The construction period is expected to be two years. This is the official layout of Guizhou Tire's second overseas production base after its Vietnam base, aiming to leverage Morocco's hub location and advantages in free trade agreements, be close to non core markets in Europe and America, and enhance supply chain resilience and delivery capabilities. The project is expected to generate an average annual sales revenue of 183 million US dollars. The company also revealed that its third overseas factory has entered the early planning stage in Egypt.Editor/Gao Xue

China Railway Construction of Ethiopian Highways

The main line of the Ethiopia Etya to Robbie Highway (IR Highway) upgrade and renovation project, undertaken by China Railway Third Bureau, has been completed and opened to traffic. The total length of the project route is 75.6 kilometers, which is a key passage connecting important agricultural production areas and processing cities in Oromia Oblast. After the opening of the road, the travel time between the two places has been significantly reduced from 6 hours to 1.5 hours, greatly improving local transportation conditions, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural product transportation, and effectively promoting economic development along the route. During the construction process, the project actively promoted localized management and cultivated a total of 230 local technical backbones. This is another achievement of deepening cooperation between China and Egypt and promoting connectivity between people's livelihoods and infrastructure.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese enterprises or annual purchase of Nigerian lithium concentrate

Chinese lithium-ion material company Shanghai Guili Nickel Cobalt Materials Co., Ltd. recently reached a cooperation framework with Australian mining company Chariot Resources, planning to purchase up to 200000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually from the latter's lithium project in Nigeria, locking in long-term supply. The cooperation also includes exploring the possibility of project financing support and the construction of lithium mining processing facilities in the local area. This move shows that Chinese new energy industry chain enterprises are shifting from simple procurement to deeper participation in the resource side. Shanghai Guili's annual revenue exceeds 4 billion yuan, and its clients include international mainstream battery and vehicle companies. This cooperation aims to lock in resources in advance and enhance supply chain stability. At present, the agreement is still non binding, and due diligence and formal negotiations need to be completed in the future. (This article is from the official website of Jian Dao www.seetao.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jian Dao website+original link when reprinting.) Jian Dao website international column editor/Gao Xue