Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

"According to estimates, the total output value of my country's photovoltaic industry should have exceeded 3000 billion yuan in 2012, making it one of the very few industries that can participate in international competition and achieve a leading position. Among them, the silicon wafer processing segment accounts for about 40% of the total output value of the industry."

"Compared to the disadvantages of traditional slurry cutting technology, such as low efficiency, high cost, and excessive waste, diamond wire cutting reduces silicon material loss and improves cutting efficiency. It has been widely used in the cutting of photovoltaic crystalline silicon wafers since 2010."

"However, in the field of high-end diamond wire saws, which are essential for cutting thin and large silicon wafers, the market is almost monopolized by two foreign giants, with import prices as high as 1000-1500 yuan per kilometer."

"The high price of imported wire saws has severely eroded the profit margins of the silicon wafer segment and even the entire industry chain."

He then changed the subject: "This precisely reveals the biggest opportunity. Our calculations show that simply achieving domestic substitution of diamond wire saws themselves could bring about huge direct cost reductions."

"Our first product goal is to keep the cost per kilometer below 200 yuan by 2013."

"But this is not the end. Through continuous technological iteration and scaling up, we firmly believe that we can further reduce costs to an even lower level in the future."

"Therefore, we are committed to this not only to solve a bottleneck problem, but also to install a dual engine of cost and technology that is independent and controllable for China's photovoltaic industry."

"We believe this aligns with the country's strategic direction of promoting industrial upgrading and strengthening high-end manufacturing."

"Hmm, very forward-thinking. Where are the main technological barriers to domestic production?" Leader Bai asked.

"The key aspects are: first, the uniform suspension and coating technology of micron-sized diamond particles; second, the online precision control of the ultra-fine steel wire substrate; and third, maintaining process stability after large-scale production. Among these, the coating process and equipment are crucial, and we are currently working with domestic equipment manufacturers to overcome these challenges."

Leader Bai nodded slightly and looked at the female cadre beside him.

The woman then asked, "So, what stage have you reached so far?"

"Currently, the core indicators in the laboratory stage, such as wire diameter uniformity, diamond particle adhesion, and cutting life, have reached or are close to the level of similar imported products. The data stability of continuous production on the pilot line is over 85%. The next step is pilot-scale expansion and cost optimization."

The woman continued, "How much room is there for cost optimization? How much is expected to be reduced in the downstream silicon wafer segment after localization?"

"According to industry data, the cost of wire saw processing accounts for a very high percentage of the cost in silicon wafer manufacturing."

"Every penny reduction in the cost of cutting materials will be amplified by the annual production scale of hundreds of millions of pieces, and will eventually translate into billions of dollars in cost savings for the entire industry every year."

"More importantly, mastering this core technology means that we can support the development of silicon wafers to be thinner and larger, which is the underlying driving force for improving battery efficiency and reducing the cost per kilowatt-hour."

"Therefore, the success of domestically produced diamond wire saws will directly consolidate and enhance my country's core advantages in the strategic industry of photovoltaic manufacturing."

The conversation was slow-paced, but each question hit the nail on the head.

From technical details to supply chain collaboration, and then to the significance of overall cost reduction in the photovoltaic industry for the national energy strategy.

The white-collar leader asks few questions, occasionally interjecting, but always getting straight to the point.

Jiang Haoran answered cautiously and clearly.

The data cited is accurate, and the understanding of the industry clearly exceeds the scope of a student, with both technical analysis and market and economic considerations.

Bai Jingming listened quietly from the side, occasionally adding a word or two about industry background.

An hour passed quickly.

The leader leaned back slightly. "A very talented young man. One last question: your major in university was finance, so why did you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing, like photovoltaics?"

Jiang Haoran sat up slightly, his eyes clear and resolute: "Leader, my understanding is that the ultimate value of finance lies in identifying and driving the core productivity of society. And one of the most crucial breakthroughs in China's productivity today lies in high-end manufacturing, represented by photovoltaics."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, yet each word was clear: "Globally, the photovoltaic industry is one of the very few strategic sectors in which my country can comprehensively define the rules of the game in terms of technology, production capacity, and cost. The current industry pain is precisely the necessary process of squeezing out the bubble and restoring value, and it is also the best time for our generation to get involved and participate in the reshaping."

He paused briefly, his tone becoming increasingly concise and forceful: "The breakthrough in the domestic production of diamond wire brings not only cost advantages, but also the reshaping of the autonomy of the industrial chain."

At this point, a pure enthusiasm shone in his eyes: "So, for me, shifting from finance to manufacturing is not a departure from my profession, but a return to the essence."

"Finance is water, industry is the root."

"What I want to do is not to drift along like duckweed, but to take root in the soil and participate in nurturing a towering tree that can support the backbone of the country's future industries. This is not only my personal aspiration, but should also be a sense of responsibility of our generation of highly educated young people."

After he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent for a moment.

The white-robed leader looked at him, and the cautiousness in his eyes, which had been evident during the investigation, gradually transformed into a warm expression of approval.

He nodded slowly, his voice low but weighty: "Solid, insightful, and above all, passionate. What we need are young people like this, with fire in their hearts and light in their eyes, who can integrate their personal aspirations into the needs of the nation. These are the true pillars of the motherland's future."

He paused, seemingly considering his words: "The province is currently researching and planning a special support program, focusing on the localization of high-end equipment manufacturing and key basic materials."

Jiang Haoran felt his heartbeat quicken and become strong.

"The plan is still in the demonstration stage, but the direction is clear: to concentrate resources to support a group of enterprises and teams with real technology, industrial passion, and the ability to solve 'bottleneck' problems in a practical way."

Leader Bai's gaze was calm yet penetrating. "Projects like yours are exactly what we hope to see and are preparing to focus on examining."

He shifted his tone slightly, his voice gentle yet firm: "Of course, support is not unconditional. We need to see tangible technological progress, a clear path to marketization, and the ability to withstand the test of time and market competition."

"I understand." Jiang Haoran met his gaze, his voice steady and powerful. "We will prove it with solid efforts."

Leader Bai nodded, then turned his gaze to Bai Jingming: "Jingming, you can keep a close eye on this project. If there are any milestones or difficulties that require coordination, please report them promptly."

"Yes, sir," Bai Jingming replied immediately.

The meeting concluded appropriately. Leader Bai stood up, and Jiang Haoran and Bai Xiwei also immediately rose.

"Work hard." Leader Bai walked up to Jiang Haoran, extended his hand, and said, "Take root in the fertile soil of industry in southern Jiangsu, solidify your technology, develop your industry, and achieve results. That will be the best report."

"Thank you for your encouragement, leader. We will definitely do our best." Jiang Haoran grasped the hand firmly, his gaze resolute.

Leaving the meeting room, the three quietly walked down the stairs and through the corridor. Even as they stepped outside the building, the crisp, cool air hitting them, Jiang Haoran maintained his impeccable silence.

Bai Jingming escorted them to the building entrance; the rare spring sunshine was a bit dazzling.