The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

Sigenergy, a key player in renewable energy innovation, recently showcased its modular commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-storage system at Sigenergy Day APAC in Hainan

The event brought together over 300 industry experts, partners, clients, and media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of solar-storage technology. A particular highlight of the event was a tour of a new aquaculture project powered entirely by solar and storage technology—demonstrating a bold step forward in sustainable energy applications beyond traditional sectors.

The seawater fish farming project, located in Hainan, uses Sigenergy’s advanced C&I inverters and the SigenStack energy storage system to power its operations. With a setup integrating 6 MW of solar power and 5 MWh of storage capacity, the project shows how clean energy can be effectively used in the demanding environment of aquaculture. It is a significant case study for how renewable energy can reduce operational costs and support environmental goals in industries that depend on consistent and intensive energy use.

This fish farm, focused on cultivating the high-value Leopard Coral Grouper, requires stringent control over its operating environment. Maintaining stable water temperature, constant oxygen supply, and controlled lighting is essential to the survival of the fish. These needs drive high energy consumption, with the farm using around 43,200 kWh daily and more than 15 million kWh annually. Sigenergy’s system drastically cuts the farm’s reliance on the grid and offers a cost-effective, environmentally conscious energy solution.

The site posed several logistical and environmental challenges that traditional energy systems could not solve. However, Sigenergy’s modular design provided key advantages. Space was a major limitation, with narrow corridors between ponds making bulky container systems impractical. The compact, plug-and-play nature of Sigenergy’s solution allowed it to be easily installed without wasting valuable space.

Transport and installation were also simplified. As the site is located near water networks, heavy machinery access was impossible. Sigenergy’s lightweight units, which don’t require cranes, enabled the system to be fully set up in just four days. The sandy soil also posed structural concerns, but the modular design allowed even weight distribution, reducing foundation stress and ensuring safety.

Being just 300 metres from the sea, the site is exposed to salt-heavy air and humidity. Sigenergy’s equipment is built to last under such harsh conditions, with IP66 and C5-M protection ratings that provide high-level resistance to corrosion and ensure long-term performance.

This deployment not only delivers reliable and clean energy for the aquaculture industry but also stands as a scalable model for energy transformation in other complex, high-demand environments.

From striking plumage to reliable egg production and friendly temperaments, there’s a breed suited to every need.

If you’re after colourful eggs, reliable layers, or hardy birds for your backyard or farm, these ten timeless chicken breeds each offer something unique

From striking plumage to reliable egg production and friendly temperaments, there’s a breed suited to every need.

Araucanas are a unique breed well known for their ability to lay blue or green-tinted eggs. Some varieties are rumpless and have tufted ears, adding ornamental appeal to their practical qualities. Though still in the process of breed standardisation, they’re gaining attention for both visual interest and usefulness.

Brahmas are a cold-hardy breed with feathered shanks and toes, making them best suited for dry, cool climates with well-drained soil. Calm and docile, they tolerate confinement well and are often praised for their ability to handle exposure to harsh conditions.

Cochins are great eaters with heavy feathering, making them ideal for colder climates. Their feathers help retain heat and allow for egg production in winter. They’re gentle by nature and do well in mixed flocks.

Leghorns are energetic, always foraging and scratching wherever they go. They’re excellent free-range chickens, known for their small appetites, hardiness, and prolific production of white eggs. Leghorns are highly fertile and resilient, making them a practical choice.

New Hampshire Reds are medium-sized, fast-feathering birds with good maternal instincts. They tend to go broody and make strong mothers. Their reddish feathers can fade in the sun, and they’re known for being a bit aggressive and competitive.

Wyandottes are a reliable medium-weight option, ideal for rugged backyard conditions. Known for their attractive shapes and varied colour patterns, they’re popular among both farmers and hobbyists. However, they can suffer from narrow backs and weaker hatch rates.

Old English Game birds are small, noisy, and full of energy. They’re extremely hardy and may go feral if not contained. While they can go broody, their aggressive nature and small size don’t always make them the best mothers.

Orpingtons are large, fluffy birds with loose feathering that helps them tolerate the cold. They do well on free range or in confinement and are generally docile. Hens are broody and caring, though their chicks may struggle when raised with other breeds due to their passive temperament.

The Rhode Island Red is possibly the most recognised farm chicken worldwide. It excels as a dual-purpose bird and continues to thrive under tough conditions. Hardy, adaptable, and productive, it remains a top choice for both small farms and large flocks.

Finally, the Rhode Island White is a completely white, medium-sized bird with a long, deep, and rectangular body shape. Known for their well-rounded breasts and flat-topped heads, they bring both structure and productivity to a flock.

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves

In modern poultry production, the issue of runting—where chicks fail to grow properly—has become a growing concern with serious economic implications

 A recent study titled “Evaluation of microbial diversity, economic implication and level of awareness of possible causes of runting leading to hatchery condemnation in a commercial poultry hatchery hub” explores the impact of microbial diversity in hatcheries and how it relates to both bird health and financial performance.

The research, led by Adebiyi, Adeyemo, and Batubo, highlights the complex role of microorganisms in hatchery environments. Some microbes benefit developing chicks by supporting immunity and competing against harmful pathogens. However, if harmful microbes dominate, they can cause serious health issues, including runting. Understanding this balance is essential in protecting bird health and maintaining efficient hatchery operations.

One of the most striking findings of the study is the low level of awareness among hatchery managers about the causes of runting. This lack of understanding makes hatcheries more vulnerable to microbial contamination, which can lead to hatchery condemnations, lost income, and weakened supply chains. The researchers stress the importance of better education and training for hatchery staff to prevent these problems before they start.

“Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges,” one quote from related research explains—a reminder of how multiple factors can contribute to disease susceptibility.

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves. It leads to higher mortality rates, reduced hatchability, and ultimately, condemned batches that cost businesses money. The financial toll includes not only the cost of lost production but also corrective efforts and possible reputational damage. Quantifying these losses, the researchers provide a clear picture of why proactive microbial management is essential.

The study also highlights the importance of biosecurity measures in protecting hatcheries. Clean environments, routine monitoring, and preventive protocols are essential tools for keeping harmful microbes in check. By focusing on prevention rather than cure, hatchery operators can avoid the pitfalls of microbial imbalance.

Emerging technologies like high-throughput sequencing allow hatcheries to better identify both beneficial and harmful microbes in their systems. These tools open the door to targeted interventions, improving both animal welfare and economic performance.

The authors also call for a collaborative approach. Hatcheries, scientists, and animal health experts must work together to create shared standards and improve industry-wide practices. With better understanding, tools, and teamwork, the poultry sector can tackle runting and build a more sustainable and resilient future.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability.

Even the smallest changes in poultry nutrition can lead to major financial gains, particularly when it comes to improving feed efficiency

In large-scale broiler production, a one-point drop in feed conversion ratio can cost upwards of $20 million annually. Recent research from the University of Arkansas is helping poultry producers get more precise with calcium, a key nutrient that significantly influences feed-to-weight gain efficiency.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability — how much of the calcium the bird can actually absorb and use. Traditional feed formulations focus on total calcium content without fully accounting for how accessible that calcium is from different sources.

Ben Parsons, assistant professor of poultry nutrition at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, explains the core issue: "The biggest challenge we have is analytically picking up the calcium content of our samples accurately." The variability comes from feed ingredients like limestone and dicalcium phosphate, which are mined minerals that vary in particle size and composition.

Parsons, along with Ph.D. student Rebekah Drysdale, conducted a comparative study of two methods to measure calcium bioavailability. The classic bone ash method — used for decades — assesses mineral content in the bird’s leg bone. A newer, faster method called the "apparent ileal digestibility test" analyses how much calcium is absorbed in the final section of the small intestine.

Drysdale developed the updated bone ash method during her master’s research. Parsons said, "The bone ash method is a classic approach that has been around for decades, mainly for trace minerals and phosphorus but very recently we've developed a regression approach for bone ash to measure calcium." The researchers found both methods to be reliable, but the ileal digestibility test offers results within 24 to 72 hours, compared to the two weeks required for the bone ash method.

Limestone remains the most common calcium source in poultry feed due to its low cost and availability. However, its digestibility can vary widely, from 20% to 80%, depending on particle size and solubility. Over-supplying calcium to compensate can negatively affect the absorption of other nutrients like phosphorus and even worsen disease susceptibility. "Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges," Parsons said.

Parsons hopes future poultry diets will be based on digestible, not total, calcium levels. "You want a limestone that's in the middle of this solubility distribution," he said, pointing out that too rapid or too slow solubility both cause issues. By using both testing methods, producers can better identify high-performing calcium sources and reduce waste while maximising bird health and growth.