Commencing Construction of the Spain solar wafer plant
A landmark project for Europe’s solar manufacturing ambitions is officially underway. Sunwafe has announced the commencement of construction on its massive 20 GW solar silicon wafer super factory in Spain, a pivotal move aimed at re-shoring the photovoltaic supply chain within the European Union.
The project has reached a critical milestone with the appointment of Spanish engineering firm Tresca as the owner’s engineer, tasked with steering the development from its initial phases to full-scale production.
A Phased Approach to the Spain solar wafer plant
This ambitious undertaking will be rolled out using a “pilot first, gradually expanding production” model. This strategy allows for meticulous refinement and risk mitigation before scaling up to the full 20 GW capacity for both ingots and wafers.
The factory will leverage cutting-edge N-type solar technology, beginning with a focus on TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells. Looking ahead, the facility is designed to incorporate future advancements, including HJT (Heterojunction) and BC (Back-Contact) technologies, ensuring its long-term competitiveness in the rapidly evolving solar market.
Tresca to Engineer Success of the Spain solar wafer plant
As the owner’s engineer, Tresca will play a crucial role in the factory’s development. The firm’s responsibilities are comprehensive, including optimizing the front-end design, conducting feasibility assessments, and overseeing critical equipment testing. Tresca’s expertise will be vital in managing the project’s complexities and ensuring a seamless transition from the initial pilot lines to the gigafactory’s ultimate 20 GW output.
Onshoring, Sustainability, and Economic Growth of the Spain solar wafer plant
The Sunwafe gigafactory represents more than just a manufacturing plant; it’s a strategic initiative to bolster Europe’s energy independence and industrial base. A core objective is to onshore a significant portion of the solar value chain, reducing the continent’s reliance on imported components.
Sustainability is at the heart of the project’s design. The plan includes optimizing green processes by powering operations with renewable energy, integrating waste heat recovery systems, and utilizing closed-loop water systems to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, the project aims to lower operating costs through smart grid matching and by securing long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
This major investment is also expected to be a significant boon for the local economy, creating numerous high-skilled jobs and positioning Spain as a central hub in the European solar manufacturing landscape. As the EU continues to push for a robust domestic clean energy supply chain, projects like the Sunwafe gigafactory are essential steps toward achieving that goal.
