SunDrive and Trinasolar have announced an MoU for solar PV manufacturing in Australia
They plan to bring together their respective expertise in copper-based cell metallization and n-type technologies
They plan to enter the fray for funding from Australia’s AUD 1 billion Solar SunShot program
Australian solar technology company SunDrive has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the world’s leading solar PV manufacturer Trinasolar to produce locally manufactured PV products under a majority Australia-owned joint venture (JV).
SunDrive is a recipient of AUD 11 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to commercialize its copper-based solar cell metallization technology. It currently operates a 1.5 MW/year prototype line and aims to expand it to over 100 MW/year (see Australian Solar Tech Company Bags AUD 11 Million).
The details of the Trinasolar MoU are scarce, but SunDrive says the idea is to competitively produce high-quality solar products locally by bringing together its technology and Trinasolar’s global manufacturing expertise and state-of-the-art n-type technology.
“The collaboration will help Australia maintain its world-leading solar technology development advantage by integrating Australian technology solutions along the solar value chain, such as the introduction of SunDrive’s world-record-breaking copper metallisation technology,” explained SunDrive.
The Australian company plans to lead an application for funding under the AUD 1 billion Solar Sunshot program of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) that aims to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
It will help advance feasibility studies for the proposed manufacturing plant that will create over 300 skilled jobs, added SunDrive.
The location is proposed to be the Hunter Energy Hub, the location of the decommissioned Liddell Coal-Fired Power Station site of AGL Energy in New South Wales. SunDrive signed an MoU with AGL earlier this year to explore a PV panel manufacturing plant on the location (see AGL & SunDrive Partner For Solar PV Manufacturing Factory).
It claims this strategic collaboration will strengthen the nation’s energy security, contribute to renewable energy goals, and position Australia as a global leader in solar technology.
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