SIO2 DISC
Study Project on Silicon Disc Manufacturing for Strategic Technological Applications
Indetec Group, through its Research and Development (R&D) team, is promoting an ambitious project for the study, development, and domestic manufacturing of high-purity silicon wafers, with applications in two strategic areas for the country's technological future:
Solar cells for photovoltaic panels, essential in the energy transition.
Solar cells for photovoltaic panels, essential in the energy transition.
This project seeks to position Argentina as a key player in the global technology industry, advancing in planned stages and with strong coordination between the productive, scientific, and municipal sectors.
Initial phase: Validation for use in solar panels
Currently, a study of different types of sand from the Mar Chiquita district and surrounding areas is underway to identify sources with high silicon dioxide (SiO₂) content suitable for processing. These sands will be used to manufacture the first silicon wafers, which will then be validated in pilot solar panels.
This stage will allow for testing the energy efficiency of locally produced discs and lay the groundwork for a future Argentine solar cell manufacturing line, strengthening energy sovereignty.
Future phase: Development for integrated circuits and microprocessors
Once the production of solar panel discs has reached maturity, the project will move toward using these discs in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs) and microprocessors, key components in computers, mobile phones, automation, robotics, and smart devices.
This process requires more complex steps, including:
• Extreme purification of silicon (electronic grade).
• Ultra-precise wafer cutting.
• Photolithography or electronic lithography, which is the procedure used in specialized laboratories to design and engrave circuits on silicon wafers.
Currently, Argentina lacks a developed industry in this field, and the Indetec Group project represents a strong and pioneering effort to pave the way for domestic microtechnology production.
Towards a Highly Technological Argentina
This project is part of Grupo Indetec's vision of building a highly technological Argentina, capable of producing its own clean energy and developing its own electronic components, with a sovereign, sustainable, and innovative approach.
This project aims to boost domestic production of photovoltaic solar panels, beginning with a joint pilot test with cooperatives in the Mar Chiquita district.
The test will involve validating solar panels assembled from pre-fabricated silicon wafers, in order to evaluate their performance under real-world conditions. Through this initial experience, the company aims to establish a technical and operational foundation that will allow, in the future, to move toward domestic production of silicon wafers from domestic sand.
This initial stage will allow for key parameters of operation, energy performance, resilience and efficiency of the panels, and then develop and implement a complete and local process of:
☆ High quality silica purification.
☆ Manufacture of silicon ingots.
☆ Wafer cutting and doping.
☆ Development of national solar cells.
The project is driven by a strategic alliance between Grupo Indetec SRL, cooperatives, and the Municipality of Mar Chiquita, with a strong commitment to technological development, local job creation, and the transition to a sustainable energy matrix.