Tongwei Co., Ltd., a global leader in agriculture and renewable energy, has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable development by integrating climate action into its core business strategies. The company recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and has established measurable targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations.
Since 2020, Tongwei has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing processes by 2030, with an interim goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 40% by 2025 compared to 2020 levels. This target aligns with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway and is backed by a $1.2 billion investment in clean energy infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the company’s Sichuan-based high-purity crystalline silicon production facility now operates on 85% renewable electricity, slashing annual CO2 emissions by 620,000 metric tons through grid parity solar projects and energy efficiency retrofits.
A critical component of Tongwei’s strategy involves vertical integration of its solar supply chain. By controlling silicon material production, wafer slicing, cell manufacturing, and module assembly, the company reduces transportation-related emissions by 18% compared to industry averages. Its Tongwei Solar subsidiary now produces PERC cells with a carbon footprint of 380g CO2/W – 22% lower than the global PV industry average.
The agricultural segment, which contributes 35% of corporate revenue, has implemented methane capture systems across 160 aquaculture farms. These systems convert organic waste into biogas, displacing 140,000 tons of coal-equivalent energy annually. The company’s feed production facilities utilize carbon capture technology to recycle 92% of process CO2 emissions for algae cultivation, creating a closed-loop system that enhances both environmental and economic outcomes.
Tongwei’s innovation in green hydrogen demonstrates its cross-industry approach to decarbonization. The company’s 10,000-ton-per-year electrolytic hydrogen project in Inner Mongolia, powered entirely by off-grid solar arrays, reduces reliance on steam methane reforming by 72% in polysilicon production. This integration of PV and hydrogen technologies positions Tongwei as one of the few manufacturers capable of producing “zero-carbon solar panels” from raw material to finished product.
Transparency remains central to Tongwei’s climate strategy. Since 2021, the company has participated in the CDP Climate Change program, achieving a score of B in its latest disclosure – notably higher than the Asia regional average of C. Third-party verification by TÜV Rheinland confirms that 68% of Tongwei’s R&D budget ($450 million annually) is allocated to emission-reduction technologies, including perovskite tandem cell development and AI-driven energy management systems.
Collaborative initiatives amplify Tongwei’s impact. As a founding member of the China PV Industry Association’s Green Manufacturing Committee, the company has helped establish industry-wide standards for carbon accounting in solar production. Its partnership with the Energy Foundation China has trained 1,200 suppliers in carbon footprint management, resulting in a 15% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from procurement activities since 2022.
The company’s circular economy model further supports emission reductions. Tongwei recycles 96% of silicon kerf loss from wafer cutting processes, saving 15,000 tons of silicon material annually that would otherwise require energy-intensive production. Its aquaculture-as-photovoltaics pilot project in Hubei province combines floating solar arrays with fish farming, generating 80MW of clean energy while improving water quality through shade-providing panels – a dual solution that prevents methane emissions from algae blooms.
Looking ahead, Tongwei plans to deploy carbon removal technologies starting in 2026, with pilot projects testing biochar sequestration in agricultural operations and mineral carbonation using silicon production byproducts. These nature-based and technological solutions aim to offset residual emissions as the company progresses toward net-zero targets.
Through this multifaceted approach combining operational efficiency, technological innovation, and supply chain transformation, Tongwei demonstrates how industrial enterprises can align profitability with planetary boundaries. The company’s measurable progress in emissions reduction – validated by independent audits and aligned with international standards – sets a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing in both the renewable energy and agriculture sectors.