[SMM PV News] Transgrid Taps 9 Grid-Forming 'BESS' Projects for 'NSW' Grid

[SMM Silicon-Based PV Morning Meeting Summary] Silicon metal: Spot silicon metal prices trended weaker yesterday. SMM east China oxygen-blown #553 silicon was at 8,900-9,100 yuan/mt, down 100 yuan/mt from the previous day. #441 silicon was at 9,200-9,300 yuan/mt, down 100 yuan/mt from the previous day. The SI2605 contract closed at 8,260 yuan/mt yesterday. The decline in silicon prices stimulated the release of some rigid demand orders from downstream buyers and traders. With weak supply and demand, silicon prices consolidated at lows. Polysilicon: N-type recharging polysilicon was quoted at 34.5-37.5 yuan/kg. Polysilicon prices continued to decline recently, and bearish sentiment persisted in the market. Some individual transactions below current mainstream transaction prices emerged. Polysilicon inventory pressure remained significant, exerting pressure on future prices.

Maxeon Solar Technologies has filed for voluntary judicial management in Singapore to seek an arrangement with creditors and avoid liquidation. The decision follows two years of financial struggles triggered by the continued detention of its modules by 'US' Customs and Border Protection ('CBP') and recent legal actions seeking over $70 million in damages. After 'CBP' detained its Mexico-made products in 2024 and its former parent SunPower filed for bankruptcy, Maxeon pivoted its focus entirely to the 'US' market. In February 2026, the company abandoned its planned $1.9 billion facility in New Mexico in favor of using third-party 'US' manufacturers. An initial hearing is set for April 9.

Neoen has announced two new battery energy storage system ('BESS') projects during the Franco-Japanese Economic Forum. In France, it will build a 248 MW/496 MWh facility, set to be the country's largest battery and the first connected to the 400 kV network, utilizing units from Japan's Nidec. In Japan, Neoen is making its first local investment with the 100 MW/400 MWh Ako Battery in Hyogo prefecture, partnering with Equans and Toho. Both projects target a 2028 commissioning as Neoen advances its goal to add 10 GW of global capacity by 2030.