[SMM PV News] Trial Operations Begin at Iraq's 1 GW Basra Solar Plant

The Netherlands generated 132 billion kWh of electricity in 2025, a 10% year-on-year increase, with renewables accounting for 49% of the total mix. Solar output surged 17%, driven by a sunny season and a 4% growth in installed capacity, which includes around 550 MW of small-scale PV added in the first half of the year. Conversely, fossil fuels supplied 48% of the total, as natural gas and coal generation rose by 11% and 25%, respectively. Bolstered by strong domestic production, the country's electricity exports jumped 25% to 30 billion kWh, heavily supplying neighboring Germany and Belgium amid regional generation shortfalls.

[SMM Silicon-Based PV Morning Meeting Summary] Silicon metal: Yesterday, SMM east China oxygen-blown #553 silicon was at 9,100-9,300 yuan/mt, and #441 silicon was at 9,300-9,600 yuan/mt, down 50 yuan/mt from the previous day. Yesterday, the futures market fluctuated rangebound near 8,600 yuan/mt and closed at 8,625 yuan/mt late in the session, down 45 yuan/mt from the previous close. Market and macro sentiment caused large fluctuations in futures prices, while downstream inquiries were subdued and transactions were mainly concluded for rigid demand orders. Silicon metal prices faced resistance on the upside and were supported by costs on the downside. Polysilicon: N-type recharging polysilicon was quoted at 44.7-53 yuan/kg. Polysilicon prices have fallen sharply recently, mainly affected by wafer price cuts and market sentiment. At present, some manufacturers continued to lower polysilicon prices, and some small-volume orders were concluded at relatively low market prices. Market sentiment remained bearish.

Data recently released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany showed that Germany’s PV power generation in 2025 rose 17.4% YoY to 70.1 billion kWh, accounting for 16% of the country’s total power generation. Both the power generation volume and its share hit new highs since relevant statistics began in 2018. Germany’s PV power generation recorded YoY growth of more than 10% for two consecutive years.