India may set up 2500 tonne polysilicon complex
Bangalore, 1 Aug, 2007
Source: The Economic Times
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2247968.cms
BANGALORE: India may set up a 2,500 tonne polysilicon complex, estimated to cost more than Rs 1,000 crore, to give an impetus to the solar energy sector, a key Government official said. Bangalore-headquartered Bharat Electronics Limited is expected to be the major player in promoting the facility, Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Dr R Chidambaram said.
“India needs solar cells in a big way. But unfortunately polysilicons are not made in significant quantity in India. Polysilicon is a starting material for all solar cells and also for electronics,” he told reporters here last night after attending a function. “Now, silicon is not thought of only as an electronics material. It’s also throught of as an energy material…more of an energy material,” Chidambaram said. “With more global climate change threat, there is more trend towards solar energy.”
According to officials, polysilicon is an essential raw material in the production of solar cells for panels that convert sunlight to electricity for homes, businesses and farms. He said the proposal to set up the polysilicon facility is part of the 11th plan (2007-2012), which is yet to be approved