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Solar energy will lower C02 emissions, reduce
energy use
Midland, Mich. – July 20, 2007 – Dow Corning has turned to
renewable forms of energy to help power one of its largest manufacturing sites
in Europe. More than 1,000 square meters of solar panels, installed on
the roof and facades of office and production buildings, are expected to
generate enough energy to satisfy the annual electricity needs of 35
households.
Dow Corning GmbH in Wiesbaden, Germany, partnered with ESWE, a local
utility company that manages an Innovation and Climate Protection fund to
support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This completely
renewable energy source enables the company to decrease the total cost of its
energy needs in the short- and longer term, and to contribute to more sustainable energy
production for the region.
The energy generated by the Dow Corning solar panels is fed back into the
local electricity grid. In return, the company benefits from subsidies to buy
electricity for its own energy needs. Dow Corning Wiesbaden commits to
re-invest 30% of these subsidies every year in sustainable energy projects
aiming at reducing the site’s total energy consumption.
The solar panel modules were supplied by Photowatt International SAS, one of
the largest manufacturers of solar silicon ingots, wafers, cell and modules in
Europe. They contain Dow Corning materials developed for use in
photovoltaic (solar) cells and modules, including - Dow Corning® PV 1101
SoG Silicon; a product launched in 2006 as a breakthrough solution to support
increasing take up of solar energy.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we are able to build
strong relationships between our company, the local government, energy and
material suppliers and environmental agencies. We can all work together in
support of sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Klaus Hoffmann,
Dow Corning European Area President.
“Reducing energy use saves both natural resources and reduces emissions.
This creates economic value for Dow Corning and a benefit to the
environment and the community.” He commented that several Dow Corning sites
across Europe and the rest of the world are already participating in similar
projects to increase energy efficiencies and reduce its environmental impact.
“We are keen to take advantage of more opportunities like this one to actively
engage in our global commitment to sustainability,” Hoffmann added.
Dow Corning’s commitment to solar solutions goes far beyond the
installation of solar panels in Wiesbaden. In May 2007, the company
announced the largest expansion in the history of the polycrystalline silicon
industry – a $1 billion investment in manufacturing capabilities for this
critical material to offer broad availability of solar energy. Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, in which Dow Corning owns a
majority stake, manufactures 30 percent of the world’s total supply of polycrystalline
silicon.
As the photovoltaic industry (PV) assumes an increasingly important role in
meeting the world’s energy needs, the company is helping PV producers to grow
by offering them an expanded portfolio of total solution packages for cell
manufacturing, module assembly and installation across the value chain.
Solution packages include high-performance encapsulants, adhesives, coatings,
potting agents and sealants, as well as next-generation solar grade
silicon.
For more information on Dow Corning Solar Solutions, visit www.dowcorning.com/solar.
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Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com)
provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more
than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology
and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is
equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than
half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United
States.
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