News from Welsh Labour

“Wrexham is the powerhouse of solar energy in Europe” says Griffiths

Wrexham is Europe’s powerhouse when it comes to the production of cutting-edge green solar cells, the town’s Assembly Member has claimed, following the publication of a new report that shows that production of the technology continues to grow across the European Union.

Lesley Griffiths AM, was commenting following publication of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) annual ‘Photovoltaics Status Report 2008′, which refers to the high-tech production undertaken at the Sharp Manufacturing UK factory at Llay, Wrexham.

Photovoltaic (PV) is a technology which uses a device such as a solar panel to produce electricity when exposed to light. Solar energy works by generating electricity using semiconductor devices known as solar cells. A number of solar cells form a solar “panel”, which can then be combined to solar systems, ranging from a few Watts of electricity output to multi Megawatt power stations.

Recent advances such as thin film technologies are becoming increasingly commercial. This process allows an entire module to be processed in a single step – work has already been pioneered at Sharp’s Wrexham factory using this latest technology.

The Photovoltaics Status Report, shows a continued increase in the yearly growth rate of solar photovoltaic production within the EU – averaging 40% over the last five years.
European PV production grew by almost 60% in 2007.

The current world electricity production from photovoltaic systems is approximately 10 billion KWh, of which half comes from within the EU.

Solar energy still accounts for only 0.2% of total electricity consumption in Europe. Nevertheless, the net effect is 4 million fewer tonnes of CO2 being released.

The annually published PV Status report combines analysis of up-to-date international manufacturing and market implementation data throughout 2007 with subsequent strategic and political developments up to September 2008.

The photovoltaic growth in Europe predicts that more than 15TWh of electricity will be generated in 2010. This equates to 0.5% of the EU’s total net production of electricity in 2006 or the same as Slovenia’s total electricity consumption in the same year.

Projections are that by 2012 China will account for 27% of worldwide solar cell production capacity (approximately 42.8 GW), followed by Europe with 23%, Japan with 17% and Taiwan with 14%.

Commenting on the JRC Report’s findings, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“Sharp are world-leaders when it comes to solar cell technology – they were pioneering development as far back as 50 years ago. This Report confirms the importance of Sharp to Wrexham and Wales’ economy – not just now but well into the future.

“Outside of Japan, the company have only three module factories involved in solar cell production. Their plant in Wrexham is the only one situated in Europe. That is why Wrexham can justifiably be described as the powerhouse of solar energy in Europe when it comes to producing PV cells.

“Green energy will become increasingly important in the years ahead and solar power will form a crucial component in meeting our future energy needs here in the UK. We are, therefore, extremely fortunate in Wrexham – and indeed in Wales – to have Sharp as the world leader in this technology, situated here.

“The Report says photovoltaic production is one of the fastest growing industries at present – in 2007 it has became a €14 (Euros) billion business. Some business analysts are now predicting that market volume is set-to increase to a massive € 40 (Euros) billion by 2010.

“The importance of Sharp to Wrexham in the future, is self-evident and the town is well-placed to continue in its ‘powerhouse’ role. During the current economic downturn, this Report offers more than a glimmer of hope for the town.”

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