South Korea and the US have hit an impasse in final-stage investment talks over commercial viability safeguards, with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung saying that some parts are hard to accept. The deadlock is raising concerns that the months-long negotiations over South Korea's investment plans in the US could collapse.
US-based First Solar, best known for thin-film solar production, plans to withdraw its Section 337 complaint under the Tariff Act of 1930 and resume patent lawsuits against rivals. Market observers say the company still wields significant firepower in the US TOPCon patent war.
China has introduced its first national standard for perovskite photovoltaics, a move that could improve how solar performance is measured and compared worldwide. The new rules are likely to support industry transparency, help investors assess progress more accurately, and speed commercialization by reducing inconsistencies in testing data across markets.
Taiwan is developing an emissions trading scheme (ETS) alongside its carbon fee system, with the Ministry of Environment planning to issue a pilot-plan draft by the end of 2026 and targeting a pilot launch in 2028 to align with international systems. Minister Chi-Ming Peng said the pilot will cover 20 companies and 126 factories, and participation will be voluntary.
Taiwan will launch a pilot emissions trading scheme (ETS) by the end of 2026 to help semiconductor and technology manufacturers align with international systems. Ministry of Environment adviser and former deputy environment minister Wen-Chen Shih said the ETS design must address three key areas.
International conflicts, shifting trade rules, and rising carbon costs are forcing companies worldwide to rethink investment plans and supply chains. The EU has proposed extending free carbon allowances for sectors covered by its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), while tightening decarbonization expectations, underscoring how climate policy and geopolitics are becoming increasingly linked for global industry.
Star Shining, an AUO Group affiliate, signed an IPO advisory agreement with Cathay Securities on September 15, formally starting its capital markets process in Taiwan. The renewable energy developer said it is targeting a listing in 2028 after building and managing 676MW of renewable energy capacity.
Slowing EV growth in North America, tariffs, and policy restrictions are pushing automakers and battery suppliers to repurpose idle capacity. At the same time, surging power demand and grid volatility from generative AI data centers are lifting demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS), making energy storage a key diversification market alongside defense, drones, and humanoid robots.
