Lancaster Group Plans to Export Polysilicon from Kazakhstan Production Facility

Kun Renewables, a division of Kazakhstan- based Lancaster Group is anticipated to commence the export of pure silicon utilized for making solar cells from its plant located in Astana soon.

According to Prasad Bhamre, the President of Almaty-based Kun Renewables, the production from the new facility will start in 20 months time.

Purified silicon also known as polysilicon is shredded into thin wafers and used in the manufacture of solar cells, which are later joined together to make solar panels. The plant proposed with an investment of around $388 will manufacture around 2,500 tons of pure silicon every year. The project is anticipated to receive a loan of $200 million from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan and the balance of the investment will be made by  Lancaster Group.

The factory is expected to benefit from the prevailing lower power rate at the oil rich Kazakhstan, which meets around 3% of the global oil supply. Lower power rate will allow the company to produce polysilicon cost- effectively.