REC Silicon halts polysilicon production in Montana

14 Feb 2024 CW Team

REC Silicon, a prominent polysilicon manufacturer, has announced the cessation of polysilicon production at its facility in Butte, Montana. The decision comes amidst ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China, particularly concerning tariffs on polysilicon exports.

The closure of the Butte plant, which had been operational for over three decades, marks a significant development in the global polysilicon market. REC Silicon cited the inability to compete with Chinese producers due to the tariffs imposed by China on US polysilicon imports as a primary reason for the shutdown.

Polysilicon is a crucial component in the production of solar panels, and REC Silicon's decision is likely to have repercussions across the solar industry supply chain. The company's Butte facility had an annual production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes of polysilicon, catering to both domestic and international markets.

The closure of the plant is expected to result in the loss of numerous jobs in the region. REC Silicon has stated that it will work with local authorities to provide support and assistance to affected employees during this transition period.

The move underscores the challenges faced by US polysilicon manufacturers in the face of global trade dynamics and highlights the interconnectedness of the renewable energy supply chain. The closure of REC Silicon's Butte plant reflects broader tensions in international trade relations and their impact on specific industries and regions.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..