First Solar announced that Akuo, a Paris-headquartered renewable energy producer and developer, has placed an order for 500 megawatts (MW)DC of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules.
First Solar will supply 200 MWDC for a utility-scale project developed by Akuo in the United States, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2024. The remaining modules are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, potentially powering projects in Europe or other regions where Akuo is present.
Akuo, a renewable energy developer with a presence in 15 countries, ended 2021 with 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of assets in operation or under construction and a project development pipeline of over 7 GW.
Akuo CEO Eric Scotto said: “First Solar’s ability to provide supply chain traceability and its commitment to responsible manufacturing was crucial to us.”
Georges Antoun, chief commercial officer, First Solar, said: “Developers in Europe are recognizing the risks associated with having a geographically concentrated solar supply chain and are electing to take a long-term approach to supply diversity and security by working with us.”
First Solar is investing $680 million in expanding America’s PV solar manufacturing capacity by 3.3 GW annually, by building its third US manufacturing facility, in Lake Township, Ohio. The new facility is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2023.