Taiwan TSMC Moves in Taichung's First Advanced Thin Film Solar Technology R&D Center

On September 16th, TSMC held the groundbreaking ceremony of the first advanced thin-film solar technology R&D center and advanced mass production plant in Taichung Science and Technology Park, which sounded the clarion call for TSMC to fully enter the thin film solar market.

TSMC Chairman and Chief Executive Zhang Zhongmou stated at the ceremony that the new business team has written many important milestones since its establishment last year. One LED lighting technology research and development center and mass production plant has settled in Hsinchu, Taiwan, the first solar plant is also preparing to build in Taichung. The two new green energy businesses, LED lighting and solar energy, will not only enhance the continued growth of TSMC's long-term revenue and profits, but will also create environmentally friendly green energy products and demonstrate the social responsibility of TSMC corporate citizens. In addition, this solar energy plant will be built next to the wafer-laden 15th plant that will be grounded in July. The representative of the Taichung Science Park will become one of TSMC's most advanced and innovative production bases.

Cai Lixing, general manager of TSMC's new business, also pointed out that TSMC has always been pursuing excellence in the field of technology, and the development of the solar energy industry is no exception. We will fully research and develop solar energy technology in this solar energy plant to provide advanced thin film solutions and manufacturing. In addition, we will fully integrate and utilize TSMC's excellent manufacturing capabilities in the future to become an industry leader in thin film solar energy.

The thin-film solar technology research and development center and the first volume production plant will be constructed in two phases. The first phase of investment will be US$258 million (approximately NT$7.92 billion), and is expected to be in the second quarter of 2011. It will be able to complete the installation and reach an annual output of 200 megawatts (MW) in 2012; as for the second phase, it will exceed 700 megawatts (MW). In addition, the new solar energy plant will continue to develop thin-film copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) technology that was authorized and transferred by US-based Stion in June this year. TSMC will sell its solar energy products globally under its own brand.

TSMC Advanced Thin Film Solar Technology R&D Center and Advanced Production Plant Basic Information: Site Area: 5.2 hectares/total floor area: 110,000 square meters/floor area: 78,000 square meters