OREANDA-NEWS. On October 19, 2007 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, reported the press-centre of Federal Agency for Nuclear Energy.  

The parameters of the crystal meet all the standards, which means that this product can be used for production of solar batteries.

The construction of the Semiconductor Silicon Plant was started in 1990. Later the project was stopped for 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 Aug 2006. As a result, the plant produced 110 kg of multi-crystalline silicon. The product was 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.