From March 25 to 28, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 took place in Boao, Hainan, under the theme “Creating a Future for Asia Amidst Global Changes.” This event brought together professionals from politics, business, and academia from dozens of countries to discuss solutions and share insights to contribute to the development of Asia and the world.
Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi Green Energy, was invited to participate in the China-Australia Entrepreneur Dialogue at the forum. He engaged in discussions with other attendees on topics such as technological innovation, international cooperation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.
Strengthening Technological R&D Cooperation to Support Global Energy Transition
This marks Zhong Baoshen’s third participation in the China-Australia Entrepreneur Dialogue. He emphasized that technological innovation is the core driving force for the sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry. LONGi is committed to deepening technological cooperation between China and Australia in the clean energy sector, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance energy efficiency and promote industry transformation.
In the context of deep decarbonization, relying solely on electricity cannot meet all energy demands. Therefore, LONGi is focusing on green hydrogen and green alcohol businesses, converting low-cost clean electricity into green liquid and gaseous energy. For years, LONGi has intensified joint research and development with Australian universities, research institutions, and enterprises to explore more efficient and sustainable photovoltaic technologies. Moreover, LONGi actively participates in green hydrogen technology development, promoting photovoltaic hydrogen production solutions to support Australia’s renewable energy exports and domestic industrial decarbonization.
LONGi has set multiple world records, recognized by Professor Martin Green, known as the “Father of Solar Energy,” and included in the Solar Cell Efficiency Record Table. Since entering the Australian market in 2017, LONGi established its Australian subsidiary in Sydney in 2019, forming a local team ready to serve Australian customers better across various applications, including residential, commercial, and large-scale ground-mounted solar power plants. To date, LONGi has delivered 4.5 GW of products in Australia, supplying the largest single solar project in the country and holding the largest market share in Western Australia.
Deepening Market Presence in Australia to Achieve Carbon Neutrality
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which took effect in 2022, is the largest high-quality free trade agreement covering the widest geographical area and benefiting the largest population. It aims to establish a mutually beneficial economic partnership framework among member countries, promoting trade and investment growth in the region while injecting strong momentum into an open and inclusive global economy.
In June 2024, China and Australia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to Deepen the Implementation of the Free Trade Agreement, which provides more favorable investment and service trade conditions for clean energy industries, including photovoltaics. With Australia’s abundant solar resources, LONGi is supporting the growth of local photovoltaic power plants and the distributed solar market through efficient components and BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics), contributing to Australia’s goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030.
LONGi embraces the open economic environment that RCEP brings and will fully leverage the trade facilitation it provides to optimize the global supply chain, deepen its market presence in Australia, and collaborate with local enterprises to advance carbon neutrality goals.
Establishing Unified ESG Standards to Promote High-Quality Corporate Development
As the global climate crisis intensifies, practicing sustainable development and adhering to ESG principles has become a crucial question for companies seeking high-quality global development. Zhong Baoshen believes that ESG is not only a compliance requirement but also an essential component of long-term corporate competitiveness. LONGi places great importance on standardizing ESG criteria, viewing it as key to enhancing cooperation between China and Australia and promoting the sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry.
For years, LONGi has actively responded to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, joining the UN Global Compact and becoming the first company in China to participate in four climate initiatives: RE100, EP100, EV100, and SBTi. As a leading solar technology company globally, LONGi promotes green manufacturing to reduce the carbon footprint of the photovoltaic industry, providing more environmentally friendly products for Australia’s energy transition.
In recent years, LONGi has set a sustainable development goal of “ensuring affordable clean energy for all” and advocates the principle of “harmony through diversity” in energy equity. By integrating goodwill into its business practices, LONGi aims to balance commercial value with social, environmental, and stakeholder needs, embedding the concept of sustainable development into its strategy and operations.
