en.Wedoany.com Reported - The European project EuroCZFactory, funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program, has officially launched with the goal of enhancing Europe's industrial capacity in the ingot and wafer manufacturing segments of the photovoltaic supply chain.

The consortium held its kick-off meeting on June 23-24 in Trondheim, Norway, organized by the research institute SINTEF, with participation from 16 partners across the photovoltaic industry, research institutions, and innovation entities from several European countries.

EuroCZFactory is dedicated to advancing technology and industrial processes, focusing on the Czochralski (CZ) method, a common technique used to grow single-crystal silicon for photovoltaic wafer manufacturing. The project aims to restore Europe's manufacturing capacity in this field.

Over the next 42 months, the project will improve the entire production process for ingots and wafers, specifically including: optimizing silicon crystal growth via the Czochralski method; improving cutting and wafer manufacturing processes; introducing digital tools to enhance production efficiency and control; and conducting industrial validation through pilot operations with full-scale equipment. The project aims to accumulate technical and industrial knowledge, lay the foundation for future manufacturing initiatives in Europe, and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in photovoltaic technology.

SolarPower Europe will coordinate the project's communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, and will be responsible for engaging with key players in the industrial ecosystem. In the first phase, the project will work with manufacturers, investors, public authorities, regional bodies, and experts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to identify the main barriers limiting the development of new industrial capacity in Europe. The analysis will cover regulatory obstacles, investment needs, industrial bottlenecks, and European and regional financing opportunities. The project will also map the main available support instruments, including the Innovation Fund, Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), and other financing mechanisms for industrial development.