EU Funding Secured: Midsummer’s Solar Cell Megafactory Set to Transform the Renewable Energy Landscape in Sweden
[Swedish Solar Energy] In a groundbreaking announcement, Swedish solar energy trailblazer, Midsummer, has emerged victorious in its bid for a staggering €32 million grant from the prestigious EU Innovation Fund. This substantial financial injection, equivalent to approximately SEK 375 million, will fuel the establishment of a state-of-the-art 200 MW megafactory in Sweden. The facility’s primary objective? The production of cutting-edge CIGS thin film solar cells.
Amidst stiff competition, Midsummer clinched this sought-after accolade from the EU innovation fund, an illustrious program renowned for fostering innovative technologies that effectively combat greenhouse gas emissions. In a resounding show of faith, the European Union singled out the Swedish company, awarding them over €32 million to spearhead the construction of a solar cell factory on home soil.
Dedicated exclusively to the manufacturing of thin film solar cells of the CIGS variety, this avant-garde facility promises to deliver a transformative blend of lightweight, flexible, and environmentally-conscious products. Such solar cells hold immense potential, particularly for European rooftops that cannot bear the weight of traditional silicon panels. By harnessing their superior attributes, Midsummer aims to illuminate countless homes and businesses across the continent, reshaping the very fabric of renewable energy consumption.
Sven Lindström, the esteemed CEO of Midsummer, expressed his elation at this monumental achievement, saying, “We are thrilled to have secured this support for our new mega factory in Sweden. Our aspirations extend far beyond this milestone, as we endeavor to become Europe’s premier manufacturer of thin film solar cells, with multiple factories dispersed throughout the continent. The generous backing we have received will undoubtedly expedite the establishment of our second European megafactory, following closely on the heels of our forthcoming 50 MW factory in Italy.”
This round of funding witnessed the EU allocating a staggering €3.6 billion across 41 large-scale European projects, all dedicated to introducing innovative clean technologies. The overarching objective remains steadfast—to facilitate Europe’s transition into an environmentally-friendly and sustainable future by providing financial aid to cutting-edge technologies, processes, and products that boast remarkable potential in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Lindström further emphasized the magnitude of this achievement, stating, “This is a resounding affirmation of our technology, our ambitious future plans, and the value we bring to the industry. To successfully navigate the rigorous evaluation process carried out by the EU’s experts is akin to threading a needle. Midsummer stands as one of the few scalable platforms in Europe, and more significantly, the most eco-conscious one. These attributes resonate deeply with the EU’s commitment to swiftly curbing greenhouse gas emissions, prioritizing homegrown manufacturers, value chains, and products.”
Out of a staggering 239 applications spanning diverse categories, the EU Innovation Fund handpicked a mere 41 projects to receive financial support after four arduous months of evaluation. Midsummer proudly stands among the select few, earning a coveted spot as one of only three European solar companies to secure backing. Moreover, Sweden’s impact on this coveted list extends beyond Midsummer, with H2 Green Steel (green steel) and Biorefinery Östrand (green aviation fuel) also making the country proud.
The EU’s evaluation of Midsummer’s proposal lavished commendation upon the project, particularly highlighting its scalability and capacity to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report noted, “The proposal holds immense potential for creating novel value chains within Europe’s thin film PV manufacturing industry, yielding a positive impact on European competitiveness.”
As the future beckons, Midsummer stands poised at the forefront of a paradigm shift in renewable energy. With the EU’s generous support, their vision of revolutionizing solar technology is set to materialize, emboldening a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.
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