Europe’s First Polysilicon Factory Powered by Renewable Energy

The global solar cell industry is growing rapidly, and demand for solar cells and panels in Europe is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Polysilicon is a crucial raw material for solar cells, yet currently 85% of global production takes place in China, mostly using coal-based energy. This process is highly energy-intensive, offering significant opportunities for CO₂ reduction. Europe currently has almost no domestic supply chain, making RESiLICON’s project a major opportunity to establish sustainable, European production.

RESiLICON’s sustainable factory lowers the CO₂ footprint, strengthens the security of supply for essential raw materials, and enhances Europe’s industrial independence. The project aligns with European goals such as the Net Zero Industry Act, which mandates that 40% of the value chain for products like solar panels be located in Europe.

TSE Industry Studies

The technology to produce high-quality polysilicon already exists, but no factory currently operates entirely on renewable energy. Within the TSE Industry Studies, RESiLICON aims to demonstrate CO₂ reduction and validate the business case through an environmental study.

The factory directly contributes to program line 1: building a new facility using green hydrogen and locally sourced raw materials minimizes CO₂ emissions. It also produces raw materials for the battery industry, essential for energy storage and a flexible energy system. RESiLICON will supply wafer producers in the semiconductor industry, especially for chips.

With this project, RESiLICON makes a significant leap beyond conventional, less sustainable investments, aiming to produce polysilicon as sustainably as possible. By using renewable energy and cutting-edge technology, the factory achieves a profitable business case while strengthening the Netherlands and Europe in the development and production of net-zero technologies. Recycling of old solar panels is also a key focus.

Collaboration with Ugoo

Ugoo serves as RESiLICON’s strategic partner for subsidy acquisition. In this role, Ugoo conducted extensive research on the project’s eligibility within available subsidy programs in the Netherlands and Europe. Despite RESiLICON’s ambitious goals and stimulating impact, the project’s phasing and strict financing strategy posed challenges. After thorough evaluation and consultation with RVO contacts, the TSE Industry Studies scheme was identified as the best fit.

Ugoo then managed the majority of the application and writing process, resulting in a positive outcome: a grant of four million euros in subsidy.

Following this milestone, the collaboration will continue, focusing on ensuring compliance and jointly exploring additional funding opportunities.