Imagine the world's best solar panels are like high-tech cakes, but all the specialized ovens to bake them are currently in China. This effort is building those ovens right here in Europe using smarter, AI-driven controls to save energy. It's about making the raw silicon blocks and slicing them into thin wafers without relying on overseas imports.
The EU lacks a domestic industrial ecosystem for CZ ingot and wafer production, leaving the solar supply chain almost entirely dependent on China.
A giant CZ crystal puller with automation, a digitalization framework using AI/ML, new synthetic wafering chemicals, and waste heat recovery systems.
If you are a cell manufacturer dealing with supply chain risks from China — this project developed a European CZ ingot and wafer production ecosystem that ensures a stable local supply of high-performance silicon.
If you are a chemical supplier dealing with outdated wafering fluids — this project developed new synthetic chemicals for wafering in collaboration with BASF and Rena to improve cutting efficiency.
If you are a recycling firm dealing with silicon production scrap — this project developed waste material recycling and heat recovery systems to lower the environmental footprint of ingot growth.
The project includes cost modelling by Sunwafe and focuses on cost reduction through digitalization and waste heat recovery to make European production competitive.
Yes, the project involves large-scale production demos by Kalyon and the development of a giant CZ crystal puller by PVA TePla.
Based on available project data, the hot-zone technology is provided by the start-up CZ-Tech AS, but specific licensing terms are not disclosed.
The project runs from 2026-05-01 to 2029-10-31, targeting the acceleration of the Western PV value chain.
Integration is handled via a digitalization framework using AI and industry 4.0 features developed by Core Innovation and SINTEF.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward industrial application, with a 56% industry ratio comprising 9 companies, including 3 SMEs. The presence of major players like BASF and PVA TePla alongside specialized startups like CZ-Tech AS and Sunwafe indicates a strong bridge between fundamental research and commercial scaling across 8 European and partner countries.
Contact SINTEF AS in Norway for technical coordination details.
Contact us to connect with the Euro CZ factory consortium for early adoption of European silicon wafers.
