EANS-News: centrotherm photovoltaics succeeds in silicon business: "First Silicon Out" in Taiwan
Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) -
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Company Information
August 17, 2010 - With the commissioning of an additional major polysilicon production facility, centrotherm photovoltaics AG is further expanding its leading market position in Asia: the photovoltaics specialists from Blaubeuren have designed a high-performance production facility for Taiwan PolySilicon Corp. (TPSI). This manufacturing facility offers an annual production capacity of 5,000 tonnes with an upgrade option to 8,000 tonnes. With successful production start-up, TPSI is commencing the largest single major polysilicon production facility in Taiwan. The polysilicon quality that has already been achieved in the first production run exceeds levels that represent the usual standards on the markets.
For this project, TPSI is relying entirely on the development, technology and equipment know-how of centrotherm SiTec, which bundles the centrotherm Group's silicon expertise. This centrotherm subsidiary was responsible for the entire factory planning, and provided the basic engineering, process know-how, and reactors and converters that are required for polysilicon manufacturing. The vent gas recovery system developed by centrotherm SiTec was also deployed. This allows better exploitation of process gases, thereby significantly cutting both manufacturing costs and energy requirements. The environment also benefits, since harmful gases are removed from the production process.
Following the successful conclusion of the initial production phase, TPSI aims to grow further, and expand annual production capacity to up to 12,000 tonnes over the coming years. It should be noted by way of comparison that annual global solar polysilicon production volume is currently between 100,000 and 110,000 tonnes.
"The silicon area is a complex process, and it is positioned at the outset of the photovoltaic value-creation chain. Start-up investments are always high", explains Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO of centrotherm SiTec. "This is the reason why customers place even greater emphasis on high-performance and reliable technologies that keep costs and risks low. We are proud of the confidence that our customers invest in us in this area, and we wish to continue to cultivate this confidence on a daily basis." centrotherm SiTec commands a market share of around 40 percent for the key equipment items of reactors and converters for solar silicon manufacturing, and a still higher market share for complete factory design.
About centrotherm photovoltaics AG centrotherm photovoltaics AG, which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading technology and equipment providers for the photovoltaics sector. The company equips well-known solar companies and new sector entrants with turnkey production lines and single equipment to manufacture silicon, crystalline solar cells and thin film modules. As a consequence, the Group possesses a broad and well-founded technological basis, as well as key equipment at practically all steps of the photovoltaics value-creation chain. centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as production capacity, efficiencies, and completion deadlines. The Group employs over 1,300 staff members, and operates in Europe, Asia and the USA. In the 2009 financial year, centrotherm photovoltaics achieved revenue of EUR 509.1 million, and EBIT of EUR 37.2 million. The company is listed in the TecDax of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Saskia Schultz-Ebert
Senior Manager Investor Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8890
E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de
Dr. Torsten Knödler
Manager Public Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8898
E-mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de
Christina Siebels, Britta Cirkel
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-56,
E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; b.cirkel@hoschke.de
Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Index: TecDAX
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
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