Attends the China Shaanxi–Germany Thuringia Photonics Industry Matchmaking Conference
On November 27, the China Shaanxi–Germany Thuringia Photonics Industry Matchmaking Conference was held at the Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event was jointly hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, the Shaanxi People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and XIOPM.
The conference was chaired by Mr. Cao Hui, First-Class Inspector of the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office. More than 20 representatives from the Thuringia Economic Development Agency, relevant departments of Shaanxi Province, universities, and enterprises participated in the meeting.
Image: Conference scene
At the event, Mr. Holger Hayer, Head of Investment at the Thuringia Economic Development Agency, introduced the industrial landscape of Thuringia. Representatives from the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Industry and Information Technology shared updates on technological innovation and key industrial chains in the province. Participating universities and companies exchanged insights on their cooperation with the Abbe Center of Photonics at the University of Jena, the development of the photonics and optics industries in Shaanxi, business activities, and cooperation needs with German enterprises.
Thuringia, located in central Germany, has a long-standing industrial tradition. It has been home to the optics and glass processing industries for over 150 years, with more than 220 related enterprises today. The city of Jena, the third-largest in the state, is a major hub for optical Precision Manufacturing and the birthplace of the renowned Carl Zeiss and Schott Glass companies. Jena is often referred to as the “City of Light.”
Image: Mr. Holger Hayer, Head of Investment, Thuringia Economic Development Agency
Among the topics discussed, the development of photovoltaic Cutting Equipment in China was of particular interest. The sector has benefited from national policies emphasizing the importance of renewable energy. In recent years, the Chinese government has actively promoted the photovoltaic industry, encouraging technological innovation and equipment upgrades.
In February 2024, the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Accelerating the Development of a Circular Economy for Waste Utilization, which included directives on recycling retired wind and photovoltaic equipment and establishing a responsible disposal mechanism for such assets.
Photovoltaic cutting equipment refers to specialized machinery used for slicing solar cells and silicon materials, essential for solar energy production. These machines accurately cut large silicon ingots or wafers into thin slices to facilitate subsequent solar module manufacturing. Technologies commonly used include laser cutting, Wire Cutting, and water jet cutting, which ensure high precision, efficiency, and minimal material waste—thereby enhancing the performance and output of photovoltaic products. In 2023, the market size of China’s photovoltaic cutting equipment industry reached approximately RMB 6.44 billion.
As global industrialization accelerates and energy demand continues to rise, the development and utilization of renewable energy are becoming vital to ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable development. The photovoltaic industry, as a key segment of renewable energy, is experiencing unprecedented growth—driving increased demand for high-performance photovoltaic cutting equipment.
Image: Photovoltaic cutting equipment
Image: Photovoltaic Cleaning machine
After the meeting, the Thuringia delegation visited the Attosecond Science and Technology Research Center and the Hard Technology Community at XIOPM, gaining a deeper appreciation of Shaanxi’s achievements in photonics, optics, and related high-tech industries.
The event successfully deepened mutual understanding between Shaanxi Province and Thuringia, laying a solid foundation for future pragmatic cooperation in trade, industry, and science and technology.
Image: Group photo of participants