On November 17th, AU Optronics (AUO) held a ceremony in Kunshan to announce the completion of the second phase of its sixth-generation LTPS (low-temperature polysilicon) LCD panel production line. With this expansion, AUO's monthly glass substrate production capacity in Kunshan has exceeded 40,000 panels.

 Opening ceremony site

The first phase of AUO's Kunshan facility was completed and put into operation in 2016, becoming the first LTPS sixth-generation fab in mainland China. Due to the rapid development of high-end products globally and the continuous expansion of customer and market demand, AUO initiated a capacity expansion plan for its Kunshan fab. In the future, the company will accelerate the production of high-end niche products such as premium notebooks, low-carbon energy-saving panels, and automotive displays to strengthen its product competitiveness and market share. This aligns with AUO's dual-axis transformation strategy of enhancing the added value of display technology (Go Premium) and deepening vertical market applications (Go Vertical).

LTPS technology allows panels to have core advantages such as ultra-high refresh rates, ultra-high resolutions, ultra-narrow bezels, high screen-to-body ratios, and energy efficiency. AUO has accumulated strong capabilities in LTPS product development and mass production and is actively constructing a robust LTPS technology platform and expanding into the high-end product market. In addition to notebook and smartphone panels, AUO is also extending LTPS technology to gaming and automotive display applications.

Currently, AUO has achieved a refresh rate of 520Hz and a resolution of 540PPI in its high-end notebooks for gaming applications. LTPS panels, with their energy-saving and low power consumption characteristics, have great potential in automotive applications. AUO also possesses stable technologies such as large-size lamination, irregular cutting, and embedded touch, which can meet the development needs of new energy vehicles.

Furthermore, AUO Group and its Kunshan plant are committed to balancing industrial and economic development with environmental protection. Increasing the use of green energy has been identified as a key task for AUO's sustainable development initiatives. The company has implemented energy-saving and carbon reduction measures in all aspects of production and operations. The Kunshan fab is also the first TFT-LCD LCD panel plant in mainland China to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum certification.

According to AUO Group's Vice President, Terry Cheng, the total area of rooftop solar panels at the Kunshan plant is expected to reach 230,000 square meters by 2023, with an annual electricity generation capacity of 23 million kilowatt-hours. This accounts for approximately 6% of the Kunshan plant's total annual electricity consumption and is equivalent to reducing the use of standard coal by nearly 3,000 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by over 16,800 tons each year. The cumulative energy savings have exceeded 60 million kilowatt-hours, and the water recycling rate has reached 95%, demonstrating AUO's commitment to circular and clean production practices.

During the ceremony, Paul Peng, President and CEO of AUO, stated, "Building this sixth-generation LTPS production line enables AUO to solidify its market position in products such as smartphones, notebooks, and automotive displays. We hope to leverage Kunshan's advantages in the optoelectronics and new energy vehicle industries to illuminate the display industry and create a sustainable future."

 Paul Peng made the speech at the ceremony