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ETP ANNUAL REPORT 2011
Growing Wafer and Cell Producers
Malaysia needs to increase its production capacity by 10fold
to reach its goal of becoming the world’s second largest
producer of solar cells. The target set for 2020 is a solar capacity
of 23 gigawatts (GW) from the current 2.3GW. The fabrication
of silicon wafers and photosensitive cells are the intermediate
processes along the production chain from silicon feedstock
to solar modules. The nation already has in place an attractive
environment to attract multinational solar companies to our
shores. This includes an established semiconductor industry with
a value chain similar to that of solar cells. The Northern Corridor
housing the semiconductor clusters is ideal for solar wafer and
cell manufacturers with a ready supply of silicon coming from
Sarawak.
Achievements
The achievements for total cell production capacity for 2011 was
2.03GW installed capacity, which is 193% of the 2011 target of
1.05GW. Additionally, AUO Sunpower announced the construction
of a new facility in Melaka capable of generating more than 1,400
megawatts of high-efficiency solar cells annually by 2013. The joint
venture between Malaysia’s Sunpower and Taiwan’s AU Optronics
designs, manufactures and delivers the most powerful solar cells
in the world for use in virtually every sector of the economy.
Increasing Solar Module Producers
The availability of the Senai Airport and Tanjung Pelepas Seaport
as well as proximity to Singapore’s Changi International Airport
makes Johor an ideal location for module manufacturers targeting
the markets of Southeast Asia, China, India and Australia. Malaysia’s
attractive ecosystem can ensure the capture of a significant share
of the modules market bearing in mind that demand is set to
skyrocket in 2020 when all major Asian economies reach grid
parity. This EPP has a target of bringing in two multinational
module manufacturers and facilitating another five joint ventures.
Achievements
The achievements for 2011 were highly encouraging with two
local companies successfully engaged in a Vendor Development
Programme and one company out of the targeted two
commencing production of solar modules.
Moving Forward
MIDA is working with the Iskandar Regional Development
Authority (IRDA) to promote Johor as a hub for module
production by offering pioneer status incentives to potential
investors. One of the measures taken is to attract glass
producers to Johor to complete the supply chain for solar
module production. Glass is required to produce thin film solar
modules. In the meantime, MOSTI is approaching universities
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Moving Forward
To achieve the 10-fold increase in solar cell production, MIDA
has set a target of bringing in at least one company every year
for the next 10 years, with the capacity to produce a cumulative
2GW of wafers and cells. The lead agency for this EPP is offering
pioneer-status incentives to prospective wafer and cell
producers. Supporting MIDA’s efforts on this score is MOSTI,
which is establishing a shared solar test centre that can provide
product certification so as to lower start-up costs for individual
manufacturers.
Additionally, MOSTI will also establish a solar R&D lab and IP
centre to research thin film and crystalline solar technology.
Meanwhile, the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of
Malaysia (SIRIM) is working to establish national standards for
solar products to ensure safety and enhance the competitiveness
of Malaysian products in the international markets. On their part,
the PSDC and Selangor Human Resource Develop Centre (SHRDC)
are collaborating with the private sector to introduce courses or
modules in solar wafer and cell manufacturing to fulfil the human
capital requirements.
to provide technical advice and support in solar module R&D,
technology platform and innovation for local small and medium
enterprises (SMEs).
Additionally, the Government is pursuing possible collaboration
with neighbouring Singapore to attract solar investments
spanning both Malaysia’s southernmost state and the island
nation.
Glass is required to produce thin film solar modules