Efforts to reduce Chinese photovoltaics company Trinasolar's water consumption over the past year moved judges to name it as the winner of this year's APAC Water stewardship of the year category.

As part of its water stewardship approach, Trinasolar adopted the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas to evaluate water risk levels is areas where its 23 production bases operate. This has helped the solar energy company to take measures to increase alternative water sources and improve water use efficiency, further lowering overall water risk.

As a result of its water conversation measures, Trinasolar reduced water consumption intensity of both its cell and module products in 2023, by 85.48% and 44.4% respectively compared with the 2020 base year. It maximised water efficiency at its production bases through equipment modification, technology upgrading and reclaimed water reuse among other measures.

As new production bases were put into production during 2023, water consumption intensity did increase compared with 2022 but was "significantly better" than 2020.

A Trinasolar spokesperson said: “We recognise that effective water management is vital to sustainable development, and we have been dedicated to reducing the water intensity of our products for years. This award is a validation of our commitment and hard work, and it motivates us to continue making significant contributions in this area.”