Oerlikon Solar has announced that Nano Solar Technology Ltd. (NST), a newly formed Russian high-tech joint venture between Renova Group and the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (Rusnano), has ordered a 120 MW end-to-end Micromorph® line for production of thin film solar modules. With the envisaged production capacity of one million solar modules annually, this is the largest equipment order in the worldwide thin film silicon photovoltaic (PV) market to date in 2009.
The order, which includes Oerlikon Solar's Micromorph® technology that can boost module efficiency by up to 50% over prior generation technologies, will be delivered to the new site currently under construction in Novocheboksarsk (Chuvash Republic) in 2010.
Establishing production of thin film solar modules in the Chuvash Republic is part of Rusnano's strategy to develop the high tech economy in Russia by co-investing in nanotechnology industry projects. Through acting as a catalyst for private co-investments, Rusnano aims at creating conditions favourable to developing cutting edge nanotechnology in Russia, the joint venture with Renova being a good example.
"Oerlikon Solar emerged from a thorough evaluation process to identify the best technology partner for our project, because of its leading technology" said Yaroslav Kuznetsov, CEO of NST. "This is a win-win situation for all parties involved. Oerlikon Solar can establish a strong presence in the Russian market and the Russian economy has made another step as a state-of-the-art production site", continued Yaroslav Kuznetsov.
In addition to the planned production line from Oerlikon, Rusnano plans to set up a major research centre that will focus on increasing the effectiveness of the solar modules in cooperation with the Ioffe Physical Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Oerlikon Solar's leading edge production solutions are having a major impact on the market as more and more companies launch their production. "Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States offer great market potential for Oerlikon in the medium and long-term", said Oerlikon CEO Dr. Uwe Krueger. Already today, the Oerlikon Segments Coating, Vacuum, Textile and Drive Systems are conducting business in Russia. With the substantial order from NST, Oerlikon Solar established itself in this important economic zone as well. "The contract confirms our leading edge technology and our unique ability to quickly implement and scale up commercially successful mass production of thin film solar modules. The 120 MW Micromorph® end-to-end production line will position NST as a key player among thin film PV manufacturers", continued Dr Krueger.
Oerlikon Solar's technology gaining momentum
In addition to expansion into new markets, several existing Oerlikon Solar customers have recently announced new off-take agreements to deliver PV panels manufactured on Oerlikon Solar's end-to-end lines. HelioSphera (Greece) announced the signing of a long-term supply agreement with Techno Spot, a major Italian distributor of photovoltaic modules and components. Under this agreement, HelioSphera will supply a minimum of 9 MW of Micromorph® thin film modules between 2009 and 2010. German based Sinosol AG has announced agreements with two Taiwanese Oerlikon Solar customers for a total of 68 MW.
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