Production gap
Europe has strong expertise in solar technology, but limited capacity to produce silicon ingots and wafers. This creates a major gap in its PV manufacturing chain.
About EuroCZFactory
A Horizon Europe project rebuilding Europe's ingot and wafer value chain.
EuroCZFactory is a Horizon Europe-funded project focused on advancing silicon ingot and wafer manufacturing in Europe. It aims to develop and demonstrate next-generation Czochralski crystal growth and wafering technologies.
01 — Project overview
Rebuilding a European capability
Europe currently has limited capacity for ingot and wafer production, despite growing demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. This creates a major bottleneck between silicon production and the manufacture of solar cells and modules. The project aims to address this gap by improving productivity, product quality and energy efficiency, while reducing waste and manufacturing costs.
EuroCZFactory combines technology development with pilot-scale industrial demonstration. Industry and research partners will test new equipment and processes under real manufacturing conditions. This work will use automation, digital twins, predictive analytics and sustainability assessments.
The project will generate the technical knowledge needed for future industrial scale-up. Its results will support European-made ingots and wafers, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Europe's PV manufacturing value chain. EuroCZFactory will also contribute to the objectives of the Net-Zero Industry Act and Europe's clean energy transition.
02 — The challenge
Why change is needed
Import dependence
European cell and module manufacturers rely heavily on imported ingots and wafers. This leaves the industry exposed to supply disruptions and changing market conditions.
Energy and waste
Current ingot and wafer production is highly energy-intensive and generates material waste. This increases manufacturing costs and creates further sustainability challenges.
03 — Our approach
The EuroCZFactory approach
EuroCZFactory takes an integrated approach to advancing European ingot and wafer manufacturing.
Grow
Develop advanced CZ technologies for efficient, stable and high-quality ingot production.
New equipment, thermal management, automation and monitoring will improve crystal growth, production yield and energy efficiency.
Process
Improve wafer cutting, cleaning and handling to increase yield and quality.
New chemicals and production processes will reduce losses and support more consistent wafer manufacturing.
Digitalise
Use data and predictive tools to optimise production and reduce losses.
Digital twins, machine learning and enhanced controls will support real-time optimisation and quality monitoring.
Recover
Reduce energy use, material losses and waste through circular manufacturing.
Waste-heat recovery and kerf recycling will improve the use of energy and silicon during production.
Demonstrate and scale
Validate integrated technologies and prepare them for wider European deployment.
The solutions will be tested under real manufacturing conditions to support future industrial scale-up in Europe.
04 — Project journey
Project journey
- 2026
Project launch
- 2030
First commercial deployment
- 2031
Foundations for 5 GWp-scale production
- 2032
European production scale-up
05 — Behind the identity
Behind the identity
The EuroCZFactory visual identity is being finalised. A short story of the logo and its wafer-grid symbol will appear here once the identity is confirmed.