Silicor Materials Commits to Carbon Neutrality at Iceland Solar Silicon Plant
Company to offset 2,800 tons of CO2 through new environmental initiative
SAN JOSE, Calif. - November 30, 2015 - Silicor Materials, Inc., a manufacturer of high-quality solar silicon, today announced an initiative to achieve a carbon-neutral status at its commercial manufacturing facility in Grundartangi, Iceland.
In cooperation with the Icelandic Forestry Association and the Icelandic Environment Association (KOLVIDUR), Silicor will fund the planting of more than 26,000 trees across the country to offset 2,800 tons of CO2 annually—enough to cover both Silicors process and the transportation logistics related to manufacturing, shipping and receiving at the site.
Silicor produces solar silicon, a lower-cost alternative to the polysilicon that serves as the feedstock for the vast majority of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The companys manufacturing process is environmentally friendly by design, consuming as much as two-thirds less energy than traditional methods, and using no toxic chemicals. Silicors manufacturing process produces only 48 tons per year of CO2 emissions.
The Silicor process sends no waste to landfills, instead produces two safe, aluminum-based by-products, aluminum alloy and polyalumium chloride, that can be sold into a number of industries, including the automotive, aerospace and water treatment sectors.
"Its not enough for renewable energy companies to produce materials that support the growth of our industry. To leave a lasting positive impact, we must also adopt environmentally conscious business practices and reduce our own reliance on fossil fuels," said Terry Jester, Chairman and CEO of Silicor. "We chose to site our plant in Iceland in part because it allowed us to use 100-percent renewable energy to power our operations. By taking our commitment one step further and achieving carbon neutrality, we aim to serve as a barometer on environmental stewardship for organizations around the world."
Silicor recently closed capital commitments of $105M for its Iceland plant from local pension funds and strategic investors, including Hudson Clean Energy Partners. Land, power and port contracts were signed earlier this year, and sales agreements are in place with leading PV module manufacturers, equivalent to approximately 70 percent of the facilitys annual nameplate production capacity.
About Silicor Materials
Silicor Materials produces solar silicon to meet the unique cost and performance needs of PV manufacturers. The companys novel manufacturing process unlocks significant cost reduction without sacrificing quality, and its products achieve performance on par with global industry standards. Investors include Hudson Clean Energy Partners.. For more information, please visit silicormaterials.com.
Contacts
Antenna for Silicor Materials
Michael Simmons, 201-465-8030
silicor@antennagroup.com
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