Renewable Energy Powered by ON Semiconductor

Renewable energy accounts for a third of global power capacity. By the end of 2018, the total renewable energy generation capacity reached 2,351 Gigawatts (GW). This includes hydropower (1,172 GW), wind energy (564 GW), solar energy (480 GW), bioenergy (121 GW), geothermal energy (13 GW) and marine energy (500 MW). Additionally, solar energy increased by 24% (94 GW) from 2017. Asia leads in global solar growth with China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea contributing the most. Other major regions that saw increases include the United States, Australia and Germany as well as smaller markets with significant expansions in Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey and the Netherlands (Source).

The energy grid and infrastructure is facing accelerating change, with falling prices for solar power and energy storage and with the additional load from electric vehicle (EV) charging across the globe. Over the last decade, solar installation costs have dropped by more than 70% in the U.S. (Source). These critical pieces of infrastructure require solutions with the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and safety. ON Semiconductor has all the pieces for optimal energy solutions from insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), SuperJunction MOSFETs (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors) and Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductor devices to power modules, gate drivers, op-amps and power supplies. From grid, commercial and residential scale we have the technology, reliability and application knowledge to enable the decarbonization of our energy infrastructure. 

In 2017 and 2018, ON Semiconductor sold enough power solutions that were equivalent to 18 GW and 21.5 GW of solar energy. We expect to sell power solutions that are equivalent to 26 GW in 2019. Our power solutions improve the efficiency of the overall system to enable better return on investment on solar installations to further support CO2 reduction. These improved efficiencies also reduce the cost and enable more solar installations. We also shipped power solutions into solar inverters that are capable of replacing 70 coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired power plants are the largest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. They also contribute to air pollution (such as mercury, sulfur dioxide-SO2, nitrogen oxides-NOx and particulate matter-soot), water pollution (heavy metals like arsenic, copper, and lead), destruction of landscapes and habitats, and health hazards to name a few. Not only do ON Semiconductor’s products provide power solutions for countries to reach their solar energy capacity goals, but we also enable them to retire or convert more of their existing fossil fuel power plants.

“ON Semiconductor’s energy efficiency power solutions are enabling energy efficient solar power plants to help reduce CO2 emissions and contributing to a greener world,” - Asif Jakwani, Vice President & General Manager for the High Power Division, Power Solutions Group

Being a good corporate citizen means not only accounting for ethical and legal responsibilities but also accounts for our company’s responsibility towards society. At ON Semiconductor, we believe that as we grow we must also further invest in our communities to make a positive and measurable impact. We have continued to expand and strengthen our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program by introducing a community grant program and launching a paid employee volunteer program. Through the efforts of the CSR program, ON Semiconductor has been named Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Company designation for the past four years (2015-19), Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies in 2017 and 2018, joining the UN Global Compact, as well as becoming a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in 2018. Additionally, ON Semiconductor joined Forbes’ Fortune 500 and was listed on Fortune’s “Fastest-Growing Companies” list.

To learn more about ON Semiconductor’s commitment to energy efficiency innovations and sustainability practices, please read our 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.