Linde benefits from China-based PV company capacity expansions

Recently announced capacity expansion plans from the majority of major China-based PV manufacturers and polysilicon producers is having a knock-on effect in the supply chain with gases specialist Linde Group announcing a new round of long-term gas supply contracts in the country. Linde LienHwa (LLH) has secured multi-million US dollar contracts from companies including GS Solar, Parity Solar, CNPV Solar Power SA, General Solar Power and Argus Power.

“Linde’s long-term supply contracts with industry leaders in China demonstrate customer confidence in Linde’s innovative gas technologies to enable optimal cost-performance ratio right across the solar value chain from polysilicon to solar module manufacturing,” says Steven Fang, head of Linde Greater China. “Linde’s contract wins create new opportunities of partnership for us in the solar industry, and to be part of China’s aspiration to develop its industries through sustainable technologies.”

To support customer expansion plans, Linde’s Greater China Regional Business Unit will construct and manage two steam methane reformers (SMRs) in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, for the supply of high-purity hydrogen (H2) products for polysilicon production.

Linde’s electronics-focused subsidiary LLH’s will provide delivery of bulk and specialty gases for solar cell manufacturing. LLH’s total gases supply will cover more than 1GW of capacity, with a further 300MW of possible expansions, the company said.

In line with its strong focus on innovation and sustainability Linde LienHwa will also promote its onsite fluorine generators, as PV module manufacturers actively seek greener alternatives to nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), noted Andy Cook, president of LLH China.