United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) has participated in a US$100 million fundraiser by US-based smart grid company Trilliant. Other investors reportedly include General Electric and ABB.

Since the amount invested did not exceed government regulations, UMC is not required to make an announcement on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

Trilliant provides hardware, software and service solutions for advanced metering and smart grids to improve energy efficiency, grid reliability, and integration of renewable energy resources. Founded in 1985, Trilliant is headquartered in Silicon Valley and is aiming to develop markets in Asia, according to company CEO Andy White, adding that UMC becoming an investor should be a positive step for Trilliant's efforts in Asia.

For UMC, which already has operations in solar energy and LED, its foray into the smart grid sector will provide the company a more complete position in the green energy market.