Move to Make Wales Global Player in PV Solar Energy
By SION BARRY Western Mail
A new group of industrialists, scientists and companies involved in the rapidly growing photovoltaic (turning light into electricity) industry was launched yesterday in North Wales.
Minister for Economic Development and Transport Andrew Davies unveiled the Welsh Opto-electronics Forum’s Photovoltaic (PV) Group while visiting the Sharp Manufacturing Company in Wrexham, which is one Europe’s leading PV module manufacturing facilities.
The PV Group will work closely with the private and public sectors to secure greater involvement for Wales in this international industry, attracting new investment and creating additional quality employment opportunities for Wales.
PV technology is one of the world’s cleanest energy sources, producing no CO2 emissions and can be installed anywhere, from crowded urban settings to rural dwellings.
Mr Davies said, ‘Photovoltaic technology is a rapidly growing global market and is an important part of our future energy mix.
‘I am delighted that Wales is home to such prestigious international organisations, such as the Sharp Manufacturing Company of UK, which has committed significant investment at its European PV module manufacturing facility in North Wales. Sharp, and the creation of the PV Group, will play a key role in positioning Wales at the forefront of this technology.’
He added, ‘Wales is also home to the largest type of PV installation of its kind in Europe, at Technium OpTIC at St Asaph. This is a fitting marker to how Wales is leading the research, development and manufacture of PV technology globally as part of the development of our dynamic, knowledge-based economy.’
Professor Stuart Irvine, chair of the Welsh Opto-electronics Forum’s PV Group, said, ‘The global PV industry reached $7.6bn (US) in 2004 and is on course for growth of around 30-40% annually. In Wales we have two of the three main manufacturers of PV products in the UK, namely the Sharp Corporation in Wrexham and ICP Solar at Bridgend.’
‘However, we are also fortunate to have a strong supply chain here in Wales and combining these factors places us in a very strong position to become a global player in this hi-tech and knowledge- based field.’
PV Group members include Sharp Manufacturing Company of UK (Sharp Solar), Dulas, PV Systems, Corus Colours, ICP Solar, Jantec Solar, IQE, theWDA, and Technium OpTIC, with more to follow as the group is established.
The PV Group has an ambitious plan to promote PV solar energy in Wales, with the twin benefits of a driver for renewable energy and an engine for sustainable economic growth.
‘By working together we can build on the wide range of expertise and skills, that already exist, to ensure that Wales is a global player in PV solar energy in the future,’ said Prof Irvine.
K Takeuji of Sharp Manufacturing said, ‘It is a great privilege to be invited to become members of this Wales PV Group and the company fully supports the group’s aims and objectives.’
Sharp sees massive potential in the UK and Europe for domestic, commercial and public sector applications for solar power, which was one of the main reasons why it chose North Wales as the site for its European manufacturing base.
Officially opened in July 2004, the Wrexham facility assembles monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules for residential and commercial installations.