日本経済新聞　2008/4/7

太陽電池企業が集積　シンガポール、欧州勢が攻勢
　研究開発支援策など奏功

　シンガポールに欧州の太陽電池関運企業の進出が相次ぎ、太陽電池が石油化学などと並ぶ産業に育つ可能性が出てきた。総投資額は約５５００億円に迫る。同国政府が研究開発支援や税優遇などで誘致した結果で、２０１０年には世界最大の太陽電池工場も誕生する。進出企業は同国を拠点にアジア市場に攻勢をかける狙いで、同産業で主導権を握ってきた日本企業も対応を迫られそうだ。

　ノルウェーの太陽電池関連企業ノルサン(NorSun)はシンガポールで太陽電池用のシリコンウェハー工場を建設。０９年にも単結晶型太陽電池の生産を始める。投資額は約３億ドル(約３００億円）で、生産能力は発電能力換算で年３５０メガ(メガは１００万)ワット。原料のシリコンはサウジアラビアの合弁工場から調達。製造したウエハーはアジアに太陽電池パネル製造拠点を持つ米国企業などに供給する。

　スイスのエリコン・ソーラー(Oerlikon Solar)は近く、太陽電池の研究開発拠点と試験生産工場をシンガポールに設ける。投資額は約３千万スイスフラン(約３０億円)。シリコンの使用量を節約できる薄膜型太陽電池のウエハーなどを生産。将来は本格的な生産拠点を建設する方針。独のソーラーワールド(SolarWorld)もシンガポールでの太陽電池の生産を検討中だ。

　シンガポールにはすでにノルウェーのリニューアブルエナジー（REC Group）が１０年に世界最大の太陽電池工場の稼働を表明済み。投資額は今後５年間で約３０億ユーロ(約４８００億円)に上る。シリコンウエハーから太陽電池パネルまでの一貫生産拠点で、生産能力は年1.5ギガ（ギガは１０億)ワットに達する。
　各社がシンガポールを生産拠点に選ぶ背景には、日本や中国、インドなど近隣市場への輸送網が充実しているほか、太陽電池の生産に不可欠な電力供給が安定していることがある。加えてシンガポール政府は進出企業に法人税の減免など優遇措置を提供している。
　同国政府は昨年、３億５千万シンガポールドル(約２６０億円)を投じて太陽電池など新エネルギー産業の研究開発を支援する計画を打ち出したほか、今年３月には太陽電池パネルの国内普及を促進するため２千万シンガポールドルの基金を設けることも表明した。
　太陽電池の市場規模は０８年の４２０億ドルから、11年には約３倍の１２１０億ドルに拡大する見通し。今後２０年間年４０％で成長するとされ、欧州企業は域外でも投資を拡大している。
　太陽電池生産はシャープが０６年まで７年連続で首位を保ってきたが、０７年にドイツのQセルズの生産規模が３８９メガワットとなり、シャープの３６３メガワットを抜いた。

NorSun 　　http://www.norsuncorp.no/?sc_lang=en

NorSun is a subsidiary of Scatec AS and was established in December 2005. 

NorSun signed an agreement of intention with Årdal Framtid in June 2006 with the intention of building a factory for the production of silicone mono crystalline ingots and wafers. 

The final decision to construct the wafer factory in Årdal was taken by the NorSun Board of Directors at the end of August 2006.

In December 2006, NorSun raised through emissions: NOK 650 million, in new equity.

The construction of the new factory in Årdal commenced at the beginning of 2007.

伊藤忠の出資比率は4％ ノルスクヒドロは19％

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2008/3/4 NorSun AS

Norsun selects Singapore for its new solar wafer plant

The Board of Directors of NorSun AS has decided that it intends to establish its next solar wafer factory in Singapore, provided that satisfactory final agreements will be completed with the authorities in Singapore. Norsun plans to start the erection of the plant during Q3 2008 which should allow start-up of commercial manufacturing in Q3 2009. The capacity of the manufacturing facility will be up to 350 MW.

NorSun has concluded its site selection process for the location of its next solar wafer Fab. This plant will come in addition to the existing Fab in Vantaa (Finland), and the plant that soon will become operational in Årdal (Norway).

For NorSun, an establishment in Singapore represents a very good combination of access to highly skilled workforce, cost, operational risk and governmental support and commitment to the solar industry.

“NorSun has already customer commitments that require a rapid capacity expansion of high quality monocrystalline wafers. At the same time NorSun is committed to continue to reduce its manufacturing cost. In this context, both the project execution and costs of construction and operations become crucial. As Singapore is well positioned to provide exactly that, the choice of Singapore for our latest world-scale solar wafer Fab is ideal for NorSun,” says Jon Hindar, Chief Executive Officer of NorSun.

“We are delighted that NorSun has selected Singapore for a world-scale solar wafer manufacturing plant which is the largest ever investment by Norsun. The plant will manufacture monocrystalline silicon wafers for the global solar market, which is the first of its kind in Singapore and will diversify our fast-growing solar industry ecosystem. This investment attests to the holistic attraction of Singapore in hosting a vibrant, world-class solar industry cluster,” says Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

The design criteria for the 350 MW facility is close to completion and pre-engineering has been initiated. The capital expenditure for the manufacturing plant is approximately USD 300 million. The location of the site is in Jurong less than 30 minutes from the city center. NorSun plans to make the investment decision as soon as the pre-engineering activities for the first phase are completed. Norsun also plans to increase its global capacity in the next few years and Singapore will be considered for such expansions.

About NorSun     
NorSun produces “Monocrystalline Wafers” for the international solar energy market. NorSun is aiming for producing wafers to the high end market segment for application in solar cells. The international solar energy market is in strong growth and the product is in high demand in the global market. NorSun currently operates a manufacturing site in Finland and is constructing its first large scale 185 MW manufacturing plant in Årdal, Norway. The construction of the Årdal factory started in January 2007 and the start-up of production is planned to take place in 1Q 2008.
 
NorSun has a strong capital base allowing rapid expansion. In order to honour contracted commitments, NorSun is aiming for high speed execution and is presently initiating both an expansion of ingot and wafer capacity as well as polysilicon production internationally.

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2008/1/16 NorSun AS

NorSun forms JV with Saudi partners to build polysilicon complex in Jubail industrial city, Saudi Arabia

NorSun AS has signed a joint venture agreement with the Saudi Arabian companies Swicorp-Joussour (Swicorp) and Chemical Development Company (CDC) an entity having the Olayan Group and the Shoabi Group as major shareholders. The purpose of the agreement is to establish a joint venture company with the aim to build and operate a polysilicon complex in the industrial city of Jubail in Saudi Arabia.

The production capacity of polysilicon at the initial plant will be the equivalent of 500 MW per year. Commercial production is planned to commence in 2010. The site will allow for subsequent expansions up to an annual production capacity equivalent to 2000 MW.

In conjunction with the joint venture agreement, NorSun has signed a 10 year off-take agreement for 50% of the output of the initial plant capacity. NorSun and SunPower Corporation have also signed a put/call agreement for half of NorSun’s initial shareholding in the new company. NorSun will initially own 50% of the shareholding in the company, while Swicorp and CDC will hold 25% each.

About Swiscorp and CDC
Swicorp is a private equity firm based in the Middle East. CDC is a private stock company owned by four major private groups in Saudi Arabia; Olayan, Shoaibi, Al-Mojel and Salman Al-Jishi. CDC is headquartered in Khobar, the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and is mandated to invest in petrochemical and energy intensive industries.

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NIKKEI NET　2006年12月18日

　伊藤忠商事は太陽電池の原材料を製造するノルウェー企業に出資する。2008年から シリコンウエハーなどの生産を始めるノルサン社に4％出資した。将来は原材料生産に 加え、太陽電池の販売まで手がける考えだ。

　ノルウェーのエネルギー大手ノルスクヒドロが大株主である新興企業ノルサンに 約10億円出資した。第三者割当増資を一部引き受け、増資後の伊藤忠の出資比率は4％。 ノルスクヒドロは19％となる。

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2006/11/8

Norsk Hydro Invests in Norsun for Solar Cell Production

Oerlikon Sol 　　http://www.oerlikon.com/

Oerlikon Solar offers field proven production solutions for Thin Film Silicon Solar Modules based on its extensive experience in thin film mass production technology. The fully automated high yield, high uptime and low maintenance solutions focus on reducing device cost and maximizing productivity. Oerlikon mass production solutions are modular and upgradeable in throughput, as well as process technology.

2008/4/3 Oerlikon Solar

Oerlikon Solar outperforms in Thin-Film market

Leading supplier of proven thin-film silicon PV technology moves ahead
・ Oerlikon Solar’s Asian Hub in Singapore to open in 2008
・ Several customer factories currently in ramp-up process.
・ Oerlikon has established benchmark for rapid customer ramp-up and product certification (equipment order date to production start date)
・ Over 300,000 solar modules already produced with installed propriety tools
・ Oerlikon has consistently met installation and efficiency targets
・ On-track to reach grid parity by 2010

Oerlikon Solar, the pioneering supplier of proven thin-film silicon PV solutions is rapidly expanding its global footprint. With multiple customers already in commercial production, several more in the ramp up phase and over 300,000 solar modules
manufactured, Oerlikon is continuing its strong performance in the fast-growing thin film PV equipment market. In terms of experience and technology the company is the clear leader in the turnkey thin-film silicon PV market. ” Oerlikon Solar is committed to fulfilling our customers needs and maintaining our position as the leading provider of proven turnkey thin film manufacturing solutions. Our capacity expansion and our global reach will enable us to serve our customers in the dynamic and fast-growing market environment. We will also continue to recruit highly skilled individuals to join our solar team.” states Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar.

　


SolarWorld 　http://www.solarworld.de/?L=1

SolarWorld AG has developed in just a few years from a trading company to a solar concern with integrated solar value chain process - from raw materials to the solar wafer, the solar cell, the solar module right up to ready, high-quality solar power plants.

Today, the company profits from the fact that it was early to set up the entire solar value chain: It has modern factories at all production levels to serve the solar market comprehensively. In addition, the company controls the development of solar power technology at all levels under its own roof.

The company employs well over 1,800 staff members in its locations in Germany, Spain, Sweden, South Africa, Asia and USA - and this number is growing.

　

　

リニューアブルエナジー　　　http://www.recgroup.com/

The REC Group is uniquely positioned in the solar energy industry as the company with the broadest presence across the value chain. REC is the world's largest producer of silicon materials for photovoltaic (PV) applications and multicrystalline wafers, as well as a significant producer of cells and modules.

Three divisions across the value chain 
REC's business activities are organized in three divisions: REC Silicon, REC Wafer and REC Solar. REC Silicon produces silicon materials mainly for the PV industry, but also for a limited number of electronics customers; REC Wafer produces multi- and monocrystalline wafers for the PV industry, while REC Solar produces solar cells and solar modules.

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October 25, 2007 REC

REC ASA - Singapore chosen for new manufacturing complex

Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) has completed its site selection project and decided to establish its new worldscale integrated solar manufacturing complex in Singapore. The manufacturing complex will be developed in stages.  It will incorporate wafer, cell and module production facilities and will have the potential of becoming the world's largest complex of its kind. Fully developed, the manufacturing complex could hold a production capacity of up to 1.5 GW.   

REC has today decided to establish its new worldscale solar manufacturing complex in Singapore and has simultaneously signed an agreement with the Singaporean government agency Economic Development Board (EDB). The agreement outlines both the terms and conditions related to the development of a new production site, the process of establishing a manufacturing complex, as well as operational and commercial conditions.  
The decision on Singapore was made after a comprehensive 9 months' process involving screening of more than 200 possible locations, followed by due diligence of close to 20 of them and finally negotiations with a handful of sites. REC has finalized with EDB a comprehensive support package, including incentives and grants, in the areas of tax, R&D and process improvement, as well as human resources recruitment and training. For REC, Singapore represents the ideal balance between financial return, risks and future opportunities.  
"The development of this site will enable us to continue expanding in a cost efficient manner and will support REC's ambitious cost target. Our future cost position will determine our ability to deliver solar products that can compete with traditional energy sources in the sunny areas of the world without government incentives", says Erik Thorsen, the President & CEO of REC.  
The project concept is finalized and pre-engineering activities have commenced. The total development will be organized in several stages through a series of interdependent projects. The initial investment decision is expected to take place as soon as the pre-engineering activities for the first phase have been completed some time during first half of 2008.  
In addition to the wafer, cell and module production, the manufacturing complex will incorporate infrastructure and support facilities, as well as an on-site supplier park. Sufficient space has also been reserved for future R&D activities and possible manufacturing facilities based on potential new technologies.  
The green field site for this new manufacturing complex is located in Tuas View, approximately 30 minutes from the city centre in the western part of Singapore. The site can hold a capacity of up to 1.5 GW within each product area, although it is not likely that the production capacity for wafer, cells and modules will be fully balanced. Depending on the final capacity and site development, total investments in the Singapore site may exceed EUR 3 billion within the next 5 years and the total number of employees could be around 3 000 people.  
"Singapore had articulated an exciting vision and plan to develop the solar industry as a key growth area for its economy. We are very happy to have been given the opportunity to build this solar industry complex in Singapore. We look forward to the continued co-operation with the local authorities, as well as research and development institutions, and the suppliers in the region", says Thorsen.   "We are delighted that REC has chosen Singapore to build the world's largest solar manufacturing complex. We are fully committed to work closely with REC to implement this project successfully. This investment will be a tremendous boost to our national drive to develop the solar industry. Investors like REC can leverage on Singapore's business-friendly environment, excellent infrastructure, availability of technical talent, strong government support to grow the solar industry, and long term political stability", says Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, EDB

SunPower Corporation

SunPower solar technology was developed by Dr. Richard Swanson and his students while he was professor of electrical engineering at Stanford University.

Financial support for Dr. Swanson's early research was provided in part by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

In 1985, Dr. Swanson founded SunPower Corporation to commercialize high-efficiency photovoltaic cell technology for use in solar concentrators.

In January 2007, SunPower acquired PowerLight Corporation, a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems. PowerLight has designed, deployed and operates hundreds of large-scale solar systems around the world with a total capacity of more than 150 megawatts and growing.

By integrating processes and technologies across the value chain, SunPower plans to reduce the installed cost of a solar system by 50% by 2012. We believe solar systems will produce power that can compete with retail electric rates and become a mainstream energy resource.