REC ASA Expands in Polysilicon and Wafer Production

Oslo, Norway [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) will invest US$485 million in additional 9,000 metric tons (MT) of silane gas and 6,000 MT of polysilicon capacity in 2010 in the U.S., and another US$33.5 million in an additional 50-megawatt (MW) wafer capacity in Glomfjord, Norway.

As a result of these capacity increases, the annual production capacity for REC Silicon is expected to reach 29,000 MT of silane gas and 19,500 MT of polysilicon in 2010. Combined with reduced energy consumption, the production increase is expected to reduce the unit cost at the Butte plant approximately 15 percent, in addition to targeted cost savings of close to 20 percent. REC will also increase the wafer production capacity at the Glomfjord plant, through a US$33.4 million investment in new production equipment and support systems. The ramp-up to full capacity is expected to take six months and will bring the Glomfjord plant to more than 250 MW. Including the ongoing and approved expansions, and based on constant cell efficiency of 15 percent, the total production for REC Wafer is expected to reach 1,400 MW in 2010. “With the additional polysilicon, we can further expand our manufacturing capacity for wafers, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced unit cost. This increased production will also provide us with additional opportunities within cells and modules,” said Erik Thorsen, president and CEO, REC.