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Turkish company launches $400M chip and solar cell facility, eyes US market

A view of the solar cell production area at the Elin Energy facility in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)
A view of the solar cell production area at the Elin Energy facility in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)
May 09, 2025 02:40 PM GMT+03:00

A new high-tech production facility specializing in semiconductors and solar cells is set to open in Türkiye’s central province of Sivas, backed by an investment of approximately $400 million. The plant is expected to begin full-scale mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The facility is being developed by Elin Energy, one of five companies selected for support under the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s HIT-30 High-Tech Incentive Program. The project is expected to create around 1,500 jobs and contribute to Türkiye’s efforts to expand its domestic manufacturing capacity in strategic sectors.

Interior of Elin Energy’s automated manufacturing line in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)
Interior of Elin Energy’s automated manufacturing line in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)

Production capacity targets US market

Elin Energy President Arda Yali stated that the plant will have a production capacity of five gigawatts. He said the project is designed to help meet Türkiye’s increasing demand for semiconductor and solar technologies while also supporting exports, particularly to the United States.

Yali noted that reciprocal 10% base rate tariffs between Türkiye and the U.S. would enhance the competitiveness of domestically manufactured products. He added that Türkiye’s annual solar cell demand reaches approximately six to seven gigawatts, while the U.S. market stands at around 60 gigawatts.

“We aim to export most of the output,” Yali said. “Two gigawatts will serve the domestic market, while three gigawatts will be directed to the U.S.”

A technician operates a control panel at a solar cell production line in a high-tech manufacturing facility in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)
A technician operates a control panel at a solar cell production line in a high-tech manufacturing facility in Sivas, Türkiye, on May 8, 2025. (AA Photo)

Two-phase rollout aims to position Türkiye as solar cell exporter

Yali explained that the investment will proceed in two stages. “First, two gigawatts of capacity will become operational in Türkiye. Then, an additional three gigawatts will be produced,” he said.

Currently, Türkiye is a net importer of solar cells, but Yali said the new factory is expected to supply nearly 70% of the country’s current import volume. He added that a technology partner will be announced soon. “Within the next three to four years, Türkiye may no longer need to import solar cells and could become an exporter,” he said.

May 09, 2025 02:40 PM GMT+03:00
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