OREANDA-NEWS.The Semiconductor Silicon Plant of Rosatom’s Mining Chemical Combine (Krasnoyarsk region) has produced single crystalline silicon solar cells and grew a 150/80 mm single crystal from them. The parameters of the crystal meet all the standards, which means that this product can be used for production of solar batteries.

According to the Rosatom press-service, the construction of the Semiconductor Silicon Plant was started in 1990. Later, the project was stopped because of lack of financing. It was restarted in 1999, when the Atomic Energy Ministry secured necessary funds.

The first testing of multi-crystalline silicon production equipment (hydrogen reduction and condensation systems) took place in mid-August 2006. As a result, the plant produced 110 kg of multi-crystalline silicon. The product is not of sufficient quality yet but the technology had proved its efficiency. 

The tests were continued when the head of Rosatom instructed the management of MCC to finance the project from their own funds on condition that the money is recovered due to sales. 

The capacity of the startup complex will supposedly make up 300 tons a year, the capacity of the whole production — no less than 2,000 tons a year. The greater part of the cells will be used for the production of multi-crystalline silicon and photocells.

Presently, the plant employs 304 people, while the startup complex requires three times as many. The whole project will need several thousands of employees.