Origin and Micron form JV company for developing solar cell technology

The Australia based energy company Origin and US based DRAM-specialized semiconductor chip manufacturer Micron have formed a 50:50 joint venture with a focus on the development of photovoltaic technology. The semiconductor companies are strategically investing in solar cell development to prepare for the future demand in solar energy. And the energy companies such as Origin are looking for semiconductor partners to thrive in this business.

Micron's President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr Mark Durcan said, "As we have looked to leverage our core strengths in other markets, photovoltaic energy technology is a natural area of investigation. Origin is a company with a significant interest and history in renewable energy technologies. Combining our semiconductor manufacturing expertise with Origin's solar experience could result in a strong partnership."

Origin's Executive General Manager, Major Development Projects, Mr Andrew Stock, said, "We are pleased to joint venture with Micron as a global semiconductor leader to further explore the potential of solar photovoltaic technology.

"The near term objective of the joint venture is to combine the work Origin has done to date in solar development with Micron's capabilities, and to examine opportunities for commercialisation," Mr Stock added.