Hemlock Semiconductor’s new polysilicon plant, currently under construction in Clarksville, Tennessee, USA has signed a multi-year contract with Praxair, which will supply hydrogen to the facility. Praxair said it would build and operate an on-site hydrogen generating facility and supply liquid hydrogen by truck. The plant start-up is scheduled for 2012, according to Praxair. Praxair also supplies nitrogen and hydrogen to Hemlock’s polysilicon facility in Hemlock, Michigan.
“Praxair’s relationship with Hemlock Semiconductor, L.L.C. goes back 35 years,” said Anne Roby, president of Praxair Electronics. “We look forward to continuing to grow with Hemlock Semiconductor, as it meets the growing demand for photovoltaics and semiconductors.”
“Our contract with Praxair will provide a long-term, economical and reliable source of hydrogen for our Clarksville facility,” noted Stuart Bolland, Americas direct procurement manager for Dow Corning.
Hemlock’s new plant is expected to have an initial capacity of greater than 10,000MT and the potential to be expanded to 21,000MT. The project is expected to come on stream next year at an initial cost of US$1.2 billion.
