China's SBH Kibing Solar New Energy wants to set up a USD 700 mn solar panel glass factory in SCZone

China’s SBH Kibing Solar New Energy is looking to set up a USD 700 mn solar panel glass manufacturing facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, according to a statement. The plant — which will be built over two phases — is expected to produce 1.5 mn tons of solar panel glass and 1.1 mn tons of high-purity silica sand — a component used in the production of solar glass — annually. The majority of output will be exported.

On the fast track: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly voiced his support for the expedited construction of the project, directing the relevant authorities to provide the needed utilities and supplies for the project to go live “as soon as possible.” The company is currently working to secure the necessary approvals for the project.

More to come? If the project proves successful, the company will look into further cooperation with the Madbouly government to produce other types of glass in Egypt.

Localizing the production of solar power components is a top priority, with the government naming solar cells in October as among 12 products that it wants to begin manufacturing locally.

CORRECTION: In the original version of the story, the actual company name got lost in translation. We mistakenly wrote that the company was called Xinyi Glass and not SBH Kibing Solar New Energy. The story was amended on 25 March, 2025.