US-based GT Advanced and Taiwan-based Powertec Energy have announced the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which states Powertec's intention to purchase polysilicon technology and equipment from GT Advanced for their phase two and three expansion projects. Design work for these projects has begun and Powertec currently expects to begin ordering GT Advanced equipment and technology in the second half of 2014.
Powertec was founded in 2010 with WalsinLihwa Group, United Microelectronics (UMC), and Sino-American Silicon (SAS) as major shareholders. In 2011, Powertec began its phase one project, located in Taiwan's Changbin Industrial Park, at which time it purchased 6,000 MTA polysilicon production technology and equipment from GT Advanced. The equipment for phase one was shipped in 2012. Powertec's phase one project is on track for commercial operation in the first half of 2014 when the solar industry, which has experienced a downturn since 2011, is expected to recover.
