Alternative semiconductors for charging and power could make a billion-USD industry by the next decade

Gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) are prominent examples of materials that could replace more conventional semiconductors (such as silicon) in the areas of energy transfer. In practice, this means they are already replacing them in products such as power bricks and batteries. They are also of interest in the area of photovoltaic (PV) iinverters - in other words, they could assume important roles in the solar-energy industry in the near future.

GaN and SiC are widely regarded as superior in terms of dielectric field strength compared to silicon. This means they are known as wider band gap (WBG) semiconductors, and, thus, make up WBG devices. These products may have increased energy efficiency and power density at higher temperatures or voltages compared to their conventional counterparts. Accordingly, Global Market Insights now concludes that the market for these WBG materials and their applications will grow from its current valuation of US$400 million to $3 billion in just 6 years.

These analysts believe that this growth will be influenced by a variety of factors, including the ability of WBG devices to fulfil consumer demand for slimmer, yet more effective, power-related accessories; their potential for inclusion in next-generation PVs and the demand for these semiconductors in the US market. This region is thought to be the dominant sector in terms of location in this market: it was responsible for about 50% of its global sales , according to the Semiconductor Industry Association's (SIA) latest (2018) figures.