Mar 2 2010
SolarWorld is purchasing 29% of shares in Qatar Solar Technologies, as part of a new joint venture. The other partners in this joint venture include Qatar Foundation holding a 70% stake and the Qatar Development Bank with 1% of the shares. The new joint venture, which has its headquarters in the Emirate of Qatar, will develop the first manufacturing plant for polysilicon in Arabia.
Qatar Solar Technologies will be investing over $500 million for constructing the high-purity polysilicon manufacturing plant. During the initial stage, the plant will have an annual production capacity of about 3,600 tons. The plant is scheduled to commence production during 2012 third quarter. The joint venture can make use of the outstanding chemicals infrastructure and favorable energy prices available at the Ras Laffan Industrial City.
SolarWorld, in addition to its own production and recycling of raw materials, has secured additional supply of solar-grade silicon through this project. The production line is being constructed through the technology partner, Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG, a German company. SolarWorld AG had earlier collaborated with Centrotherm Photovoltaics for the construction of its production facilities successfully.
Source: http://www.solarworld.de