Interview
Title
Interview
Paul Davis—
SEMI
Solar power is a heavyweight in the renewable energy category,
growing at 40% annually, faster than any other form of electric-
ity generation on the planet! Asia is playing a key role in the
development of the global solar energy industry.
Many countries in the Asia Pacific region have placed
emphasis on the development of renewable sources of
energy in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption and
dependence on fossil fuel imports despite the recent
decline of oil prices. These countries also wish to
decrease pollution which results from combustion
of fossil fuels and to gain sustainability and self
sufficiency in power generation.
Global Solar Technology’s regional editor, De-
basish Choudhury, recently had an opportunity
to talk with Paul Davis, president of SEMI
based in Singapore, on the prospects of the
photovoltaic market in Asia.
GSP: SEMI is traditionally involved with
semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Of late, SEMI created a special interest
group named PV Group, dedicated for
serving the photovoltaic/solar manufac-
turing supply chain. How and why did
nologies for these other segments.
But, according to the Yole Development
this transition happen?
In addition, many of our members are
PV TEAM report, Asia is increasing its
diversifying their core business strategies
capacity and is expected to become a leader
Without question, the electronics
and are adopting PV initiatives. With
by 2010.
aThe SEMI PV Group was formed to
unprecedented sustained growth forecast
In crystalline silicon cell production ca-
enhance member support in this critically
over the next two decades, we are seeing an
pacity, China, Germany and Japan are the
important and high growth area. With
increasing number of our members move
top producers. China alone has more than
technologies and industry structure similar
into this space.
30 fabs that have a production capacity
to the semiconductor industry—and with
of over 4 giga watt (GW). However, Korea
more than 20% of SEMI members cur-
GSP: The traditional markets for PV—
should be observed closely because of its
rently active in PV, including the industry’s
Germany and Spain—are maturing.
plasma display manufacturing synergies as
largest equipment and materials suppliers,
Which countries do you think offer the
demonstrated in most recent news where
SEMI is uniquely positioned to support the
future potential for growth of the PV mar-
LG made the decision to convert its A1
PV industry growth through reduced costs,
ket worldwide?
plasma panel-manufacturing line in Gumi,
efficient technology transfer, global market
Korea, into solar cell production lines.
development, industry standards, market
In terms of polysilicon production, the
In the thin film market, Germany, the
statistics and other services.
U.S. is the leader, followed by China, Ger-
U.S. and Japan are the leaders. Notably,
Because of the synergies between semi-
many and Japan—with Hemlock being the
the U.S. lays claim to many emerging
conductor, FPD and PV manufacturing,
greatest producer in the U.S.
technology patent applications and start-
many of our members have developed tech-
ups, particularly in Silicon Valley and the
26 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2008 www.globalsolartechnology.com
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