Elkem Solar gets 7.6 million Enova crowns – NRK

CEO Inge Grubben-Strømnes in Elkem Solar has high ambitions before they proceed with the pilot project in RECs old factory premises.

Elkem Solar will create the world’s greenest solar cell production, they will sell solar panels manufactured with a lowest possible energy consumption.

– What we should do at Porsgrunn, which is that we implement new technology, which uses even less energy to produce what eventually becomes solar panels, says Grubben-Strømnes.

See also: 80 new jobs in REC premises

Elkem Solar produces solar grade silicon at Fiskaa in Kristiansand. These are thought sent to Herøya to become the solar cell blocks.

– This allows the supply chain from Fiskaa and out into the world will be the most energy efficient supply chain in the world, says Grubben-Strømnes.

– Will make solar production cleaner

Half a year’s time, Elkem use of the pilot project, which has received 7.6 million kroner in support from Enova.

Marketing for industry in Enova, Oscar Gärdeman hope support can help provide Elkem Solar the answers they need, so they can move forward with this technology.

– It is a very exciting and energy-efficient technologies Elkem Solar wants to adopt. The technology responds to expectations it could contribute to the world solar cell production becomes cleaner, says Gärdeman.

If the pilot project ends in a positive decision, the first production line will be ready halfway out in 2016.

– We invest significant amounts in this pilot project, so we are optimistic that we will manage to create a good “case” for the restart of Herøya, says Grubben-Strømnes.

Will investing hundreds of millions

The pilot project will, among other things, be responsible for assessing the need for further risk reduction. A reopening of the factory with brand new technology will require investments of several hundred million.

– We envisage investing a few hundred million in upgrading the facility and so we envision hiring 70 -80 people, says Grubben-Strømnes.

In order to trigger the project will Elkem Solar seek funding from Enova, Innovation Norway, NAV, Growth in Grenland and other actors. SIVA has already endorsed the project and will be the owner of the factory premises.

– We hope that funding agencies know what they had and set up to relieve part of the risk. It will be necessary to take a positive decision, saying Grubben-Strømnes.