[Biz Leader] GNBs Eco "Holding Essential HJT Solar Technology... Emerging as a Key Player in the AI Infrastructure Value Chain"

Essential Gas Scrubbers for HJT Solar and Semiconductor Processes
Expected to Benefit from the Power Value Chain of Space-Based AI Data Centers

Sangsoon Park, CEO of GNBS Eco.

With the explosive growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, electricity demand from data centers is rapidly increasing, drawing attention to future methods of energy supply. Recently, the global tech industry has even discussed plans to build data centers in outer space and power them with solar energy.

Amid this trend, next-generation solar technologies such as HJT (heterojunction) and perovskite-based tandem cells are emerging as key technologies. In particular, environmental equipment technology that ensures the stability of the solar panel manufacturing process is becoming increasingly important. Domestic company GNBs Eco is being recognized for creating new opportunities based on its unrivaled technological expertise in this field.

In a recent interview with The Asia Business Daily, Sangsoon Park, CEO of GNBs Eco, stated, "Solar technology is now at a major turning point," adding, "As the industry shifts from conventional silicon-based solar cells to next-generation structures, the process technology and equipment market are also undergoing changes."

Currently, the mainstream technology in the solar market is silicon-based solar cells. While conventional solar cells using polysilicon are highly mature in terms of technology, many believe they are nearing their limits in terms of efficiency. Industry experts estimate the theoretical maximum power conversion efficiency for silicon-based solar cells to be around 29%.

To overcome these limitations, the industry is focusing on HJT solar cells, which can maintain high efficiency, and tandem cells that combine perovskite—a hybrid organic-inorganic compound. Theoretical power conversion efficiency for tandem cells is cited to be as high as 44%.

In fact, leading global solar companies are actively adopting HJT-based structures when building next-generation solar cell production lines. The concept of space-based AI data centers has further highlighted the advantages of HJT-based solar structures, as HJT can operate stably even in extreme environments.

GNBs Eco possesses gas scrubber technology that treats hazardous gases generated during the HJT manufacturing process. Scrubbers, which remove toxic gases and dust, are considered essential equipment that ensures both the stability of production lines and compliance with environmental regulations. They are already indispensable in solar equipment production lines, and as front-end companies switch to and expand HJT manufacturing lines, demand for scrubbers is soaring.

CEO Park explained, "Various chemical gases and powders are generated simultaneously in HJT and tandem cell processes. If these are not handled stably, process yields drop and equipment stability becomes a concern, driving demand." He added, "All HJT equipment processes are connected in an inline manner, running continuously in a vacuum. To prevent contamination during process transfers, scrubbers must minimize the inflow of pollutants."

GNBs Eco's scrubbers feature plasma-based treatment technology, enabling simultaneous removal of gases and particulate matter. Thanks to this technological edge, the company is expanding collaborative relationships with global solar equipment manufacturers.

A representative partner is Company M, regarded as the global leader in HJT equipment. Company M is considered one of the companies with the most advanced technology in the HJT solar cell production equipment market. GNBs Eco has worked with Company M from the early stages of equipment development, supplying devices that treat hazardous gases generated in HJT processes. In addition to Company M, U.S.-based Company C, Company S, and Korea's Company J are all clients of GNBs Eco.

CEO Park said, "Most major global solar companies are considering building HJT production lines. As the solar industry restructures around HJT and tandem cells, demand for GNBs Eco's technology will rapidly expand." He continued, "The role of related process technology will become even more important if new industries such as space-based data centers emerge."

Alongside the expansion of the solar market, GNBs Eco is also broadening its global business base. Its strong position in the Indian market is highlighted as a key strength. Park explained, "China currently accounts for more than 90% of global solar cell production, but India is also pursuing expansion of production capacity beyond 100GW. GNBs Eco has secured a market share of nearly 95% in India." He also noted that discussions are underway with India's largest company, Company R, regarding the introduction of equipment for HJT production lines.

In addition to solar, the semiconductor sector is also a key growth driver for GNBs Eco. The company maintains partnerships with global semiconductor companies, including SK hynix, and supplies equipment to Chinese semiconductor firms as well. Recently, it began supplying plasma solutions to Japan's Sony and ROHM, and is in talks to provide equipment for Rapidus, a semiconductor project led by the Japanese government.

CEO Park emphasized, "In both solar and semiconductor sectors, technologies for stably treating gases generated in high-difficulty processes are essential. GNBs Eco has secured unrivaled technological competitiveness in this field."

Scrubber equipment of G&B S Eco.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.