German chemicals producer Wacker Chemie is conducting a feasibility study to start a new silicon melting furnace at its Norwegian site to expand its onsite silicon metal production capacity by around 50% which is used to roll out silicone and hyperpure polysilicon.
On the basis of the results of the feasibility study, the Holla location will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for energy efficient and sustainable production, said the polysilicon supplier to the solar PV and semiconductor industries.
"In order to meet the high customer demand for our silicone specialties and our high-quality polysilicon, we need to ensure that we have sufficient amounts of silicon metal available at all times," explained Wacker CEO Christian Hartel. "By expanding our captive production, we will become more independent of price fluctuations on raw material markets and enhance our supply security, both during times of peak demand and if problems arise in relation to restrictions in global supply chains."
Wacker expects the new furnace to be completed before the end of 2025 with plans for further expansion which Hartel said will be aligned with its strategic growth.
The German company has of late seen its polysilicon sales improve with the growth in demand for solar PV globally. With the growing clamor for Made in Europe and local solar supply chain and discussions on supply chain transparency, tier I Chinese module maker JinkoSolar placed an order for 70,000 ton polysilicon from Wacker to be manufactured by the latter at its US and German sites (see JinkoSolar Wants 70,000 Ton Polysilicon From Wacker).