LONGi and Chiron Energy ink agreement for the supply of Hi-MO 9 photovoltaic modules boosting Italy’s green energy transition

LONGi,a global leader in solar technology, and Chiron Energy, one of Italy's leading independent renewable energy producers, have entered into a partnership through a framework agreement for the supply of LONGi's high-efficiency Hi-MO 9 modules series. This collaboration between the two companies marks a fundamental step towards accelerating Italy's energy transition and achieving its zero carbon emissions targets.

LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full-scenario energy transformation. With a mission to "make the best of solar energy to build a green world,"LONGi has dedicated itself to technological innovation, providing holistic solutions for the solar and renewables industry across its five business sectors.

Chiron Energy, based in Milan, Italy, is an independent producer of renewable energy, specializing in the development, construction, and management of advanced energy plants and infrastructure with minimal environmental impact. The company is deeply committed to combating climate change through decarbonization projects, particularly in the production, storage, and distribution of renewable energy, with a strong focus on the Italian market and growing prospects in Europe.

The agreement would cover supplies for the period 2026-2027.

These photovoltaic plants will be strategically located throughout Italy, mainly in the north and centre, and will include both greenfield (new) and brownfield(repowering) projects. In particular, for repowering projects, the integration of LONGi's advanced modules could double existing energy production capacity.It is important to note that repowering projects are part of the CONTO ENERGIA incentive schemes from the 2^nd to the 5^th, while all new projects could also be eligible for incentive mechanisms under the FER X decree.

These plants will provide substantial benefits to Italy. By harnessing the country's abundant solar potential, they will play a crucial role in reducing the nation's carbon emissions, aligning directly with Italy's commitment to climate action and global decarbonisation efforts. Furthermore, the increase in clean,domestically produced electricity generation will directly contribute to lower electricity prices in Italy, providing economic relief to consumers and promoting greater energy independence. These renewable energy photovoltaic plants are expected to save several tonnes of CO2 per year.

At the heart of this agreement are LONGi’s cutting-edge bifacial Hi-MO 9 PV modules, renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability. It goes without saying that the technological strength of the Hi-MO 9 modules series lies in its Back Contact technology, specifically HPBC (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) 2.0. This innovative cell architecture eliminates the metal grid lines from the front of the solar cell, allowing for maximum light absorption and significantly boosting conversion efficiency, reaching up to 24.8%. The Hi-MO 9 modules also offer superior performance in low-light conditions and enhanced resistance to uneven light irradiation, ensuring extended power generation times and long-term stability. With a 30-year linear degradation warranty that is 0.05 percentage points lower than conventional N-type products, the Hi-MO 9 guarantees a power increase of 1.5% after three decades, translating into a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and higher yields for project developers.

Claudio Gigli, CEO of Chiron Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration,stating: "Our decision to partner with LONGi, a leading Tier 1 manufacturer,is part of our corporate strategy to propose projects with high ratings from the stakeholders involved in their implementation, starting with the quality of the authorised project, financing and the construction of the plants themselves. Our Engineering and Technical Compliance team pays particular attention to identifying win-win solutions from a technical and economic point of view, and we are particularly focused on technologically reliable and innovative solutions in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and supply chain traceability and transparency with reference to the innovative Back Contact technology industrialised by LONGi.”

Stefano Salica, Sales Director Italy of LONGi, added, “This agreement with Chiron Energy is a landmark achievement for LONGi in the Italian market. It signifies the mutual commitment of both companies to drive the green energy transition forward. The integration of our Hi-MO 9 modules into multiple PV plants across Italy reinforces our position as a trusted partner for large-scale solar projects and further solidifies our contribution to the nation's ambitious renewable energy targets.”

Francesco Emmolo, General Manager Italy and Greece of LONGi, concluded, “The strategic alliance with Chiron Energy represents a powerful synergy between two leaders in their respective fields. By deploying these pv plants with our advanced Hi-MO 9 modules, we are not just supplying technology; we are enabling Italy to significantly reduce its carbon emissions and stabilize its energy costs. This collaboration exemplifies our shared vision for a greener, more resilient energy landscape in Italy and beyond.”

This partnership between LONGi and Chiron Energy represents a significant stride towards a sustainable and energy-independent future for Italy, showcasing the power of strong collaboration in the global push for net carbon neutrality.