Hoku energizes Idaho poly plant

November 22, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Hoku Materials has moved a step closer to completing its polysilicon production plant in Pocatello, Idaho by connecting it to Idaho Power's substation.

For much of the construction period, the plant was powered by portable generators and other temporary power sources. However, in order to complete the final stages of commissioning and activate equipment like pumps, compressors and polysilicon deposition reactors, a continuous electricity supply was required.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“Connecting to the 82MW Idaho Power grid-connected substation is a critical milestone,” Hoku’s CEO, Scott Paul, said. “Connecting to the substation enables us to complete system-wide commissioning activities, including our instruments and control systems… and our polysilicon deposition reactors. These reactors are the largest consumers of power on-site, requiring very large loads of continuous power – they cannot be run on temporary power or portable generators.

“There are a number of items that need to be completed by our operators, engineers, and construction contractors before we can bring chemicals on-site and begin the continuous production of polysilicon. These items include finalising our internal safety checks, and completing the installation of various fire protection, alarm and safety systems.”

Difficulties in securing financing for the Pocatello plant have delayed building work, and Hoku has already negotiated to delay the first shipments of polysilicon until Q2 2012 in exchange for concessions on price and deposit repayment terms. Tianwei New Energy Holdings is providing financial backing for the first 2,500MT production phase.

Read Next

Premium
October 24, 2025
Marcel Suri explores the datasets that will help improve the accuracy of PV output estimation and drive better performance.
October 24, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker and Saudi-based energy company Abunayyan Holding have formed a joint venture (JV) in Saudi Arabia.
October 24, 2025
The Saudi state-owned renewables developer Masdar has begun construction on a giant solar-plus-storage project in Abu Dhabi.
October 23, 2025
The average price of a solar PPA signed in Europe in Q3 2025 fell below €35/MWh, reaching €34.25/MWh, according to LevelTen Energy.
October 23, 2025
Infrastructure investment firm Nuveen Infrastructure has secured US$171 million in financing for a 137MW solar PV plant in South Korea.
October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal