Gstar Solar, a solar manufacturer based in Singapore, has recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Siraj Group, a Middle Eastern investment company. The MOU outlines plans for the construction of a 2GW module assembly plant in the region. This collaboration aims to further expand the solar manufacturing capabilities in the Middle East.
The construction of the module assembly plant is scheduled to commence in November, and it will be located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
While the specific technology utilized for the module assembly plant has not been revealed, it has been mentioned that it will employ “high-efficiency n-type technology.” The adoption of this advanced technology underscores the commitment to maximizing the efficiency and performance of the modules produced at the plant.
This collaboration between the companies aims to capitalize on the opportunities presented by local markets and resources, as the Middle East region continues to attract solar manufacturers. Gstar’s entry into the Middle East market is the most recent expansion by a solar manufacturer in the region, demonstrating the growing interest and investment in the solar energy sector in this area.
Middle East manufacturing hub
In the previous month, Saudi Arabia finalized two agreements to establish 30GW of domestic manufacturing capabilities within the country. The first agreement was signed with Lumetech, a subsidiary of the Chinese solar manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy. This collaboration will enable the domestic production of ingots and wafers, with an impressive annual nameplate capacity of 20GW. The second agreement was made with the Chinese solar manufacturer JinkoSolar to construct a state-of-the-art TOPCon solar cell and module assembly plant, with a capacity of 10GW. These deals signify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering local manufacturing and advancing its position in the solar energy sector.
In June, GCL Tech made an announcement regarding its intention to explore collaboration opportunities with Mubadala Investment Company, one of the sovereign wealth funds of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objective is to establish a comprehensive silicon ecosystem of significant global and regional importance within the UAE. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the silicon industry’s presence and capabilities in the region, fostering innovation and driving the growth of the silicon sector on a global scale.
Gstar manufacturing expansion
Gstar’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the Middle East marks the company’s latest endeavor to expand its solar manufacturing operations on a global scale. In addition to this development, Gstar has recently achieved significant milestones in its solar cell plant project in Thailand and has commenced construction of a frame facility in Laos. These advancements highlight Gstar’s commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in the solar manufacturing sector across different regions.
In Thailand, Gstar has commenced production at its Phase One 3GW annual nameplate n-type solar cell plant. The company’s objective is to achieve an annual nameplate capacity of 8GW at this facility. This significant step forward demonstrates Gstar’s determination to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the growth of the solar energy industry in Thailand.
The initial batch of n-type solar cells manufactured at the plant has a size of 183.75mm and boasts an impressive efficiency of 25.2%. This achievement showcases the high-quality production capabilities of Gstar’s solar cell plant, reinforcing their commitment to delivering efficient and reliable solar energy solutions. By producing solar cells with such exceptional performance, Gstar aims to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and drive the adoption of sustainable power sources.
Situated within the Rubber Industrial Park in Rayong, Thailand, the plant spans across an expansive area of 120,000 square meters. This state-of-the-art facility represents a substantial investment of US$300 million, underscoring Gstar’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities and fostering the development of the solar energy sector in Thailand. By establishing this technologically advanced plant, Gstar aims to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals and create a sustainable future.
Additionally, Gstar has initiated the construction of a solar PV aluminium frame and mounting system manufacturing facility in Laos, with a total investment of RMB500 million (US$70 million). This facility is projected to have a production capacity of 7GW, further solidifying Gstar’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing operations and contributing to the growth of the solar energy industry in Laos. By establishing this manufacturing facility, Gstar aims to support the development of renewable energy infrastructure and promote sustainable solutions in the region.
Gstar has commenced construction on phase 1 of its project in the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone. The company initiated this phase at the beginning of the current month, marking an important milestone in the development of their manufacturing facility. By embarking on this phase, Gstar is actively progressing towards its goal of establishing a robust and efficient production infrastructure to meet the growing demand for solar PV aluminium frames and mounting systems. This strategic location in the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone positions Gstar for success and further strengthens their presence in the region.
Upon completion, the plant is expected to possess a nameplate capacity of 30,000 tons, enabling it to fulfill the frame requirements for 7GW of PV modules, as stated by Gstar. This capacity demonstrates Gstar’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for solar PV frames and supporting the growth of the solar energy industry. Furthermore, the company has ambitious plans for Phase II, aiming to further enhance the plant’s annual nameplate capacity to 12GW. This expansion underscores Gstar’s determination to scale up its manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Over the last year, Laos has successfully attracted numerous companies to establish solar manufacturing facilities. This increased interest in the country’s solar sector can be attributed, in part, to the heightened scrutiny that the United States has placed on several neighboring Southeast Asian nations. By seizing this opportunity, Laos has positioned itself as an attractive destination for companies seeking to expand their solar manufacturing capacity. This development showcases the country’s potential to become a key player in the renewable energy industry and highlights the growing importance of sustainable energy in the region.
In March of this year, Imperial Star Solar, a solar manufacturer based in Cambodia, inaugurated a silicon wafer manufacturing facility in Laos. This plant boasts an impressive annual nameplate capacity of 4GW. Additionally, SolarSpace, a Chinese manufacturer of PV cells and modules, commenced cell production at a separate 5GW plant in the same development zone. Notably, SolarSpace’s manufacturing facility is situated alongside Gstar’s aluminum frame and mounting system manufacturing facility. These developments highlight the growing presence of solar manufacturing in Laos and the collaborative efforts of companies like Imperial Star Solar, SolarSpace, and Gstar to establish a robust renewable energy ecosystem in the region.
At the beginning of this year, the company initiated the construction of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Indonesia. This facility is designed to house a 3GW silicon rod and a 3GW silicon wafer slicing plant. The production of 182mm and 210mm solar wafers is projected to commence by the end of 2024. This strategic move demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities and meeting the growing demand for solar wafers in the renewable energy market. By establishing this state-of-the-art facility, the company aims to contribute to the advancement of the solar industry and facilitate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
