TOYO Co. Plans 2GW Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility in Ethiopia

Major Investment in Solar Energy
TOYO Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: TOYO) has announced its ambitious plan to establish a cutting-edge solar cell manufacturing facility in Hawassa, Ethiopia, with an expected annual capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW). The project represents an estimated investment of $60 million, which will be financed through internal resources and pre-payments.

Strategic Location and Timeline
The new facility will occupy a 31,500 m² space in Hawassa, chosen for its advantageous investment policies, tariff exemptions, and abundant hydropower supply. TOYO aims to begin fitting out the plant in November 2024, with production expected to commence by the end of Q1 2025. This venture is anticipated to generate up to 880 jobs, encompassing roles in both manufacturing and engineering.

Sustainable Energy Utilization
Ethiopia, known for its green energy initiatives, generates approximately 90% of its electricity from hydropower. The new manufacturing facility will leverage this renewable energy source, aligning with TOYO’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint across the supply chain. The strategic move responds to growing demands for sustainable solutions among utility-scale developers in markets such as the U.S. and Europe.

CEO Insights and Future Goals
Mr. Junsei Ryu, CEO of TOYO, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its role in scaling solar cell production to support the company’s planned module facility in the United States. He highlighted the facility’s potential to enhance production capabilities, reduce costs, and improve responsiveness to market demands, positioning TOYO as a competitive player in the renewable energy sector.

This initiative marks a significant step in TOYO’s strategic vision to diversify its supply chain and bolster sourcing capabilities for solar solutions globally, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies.