US-based Dow Chemical is planning a new petrochemical plant in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, to more than triple its production capacity of specialty films.
The new facility, for which the investment cost was not disclosed, will begin construction next year for the production of polyolefin (PE) encapsulant films, which are used in photovoltaic modules for solar power installations.
Another similar plant will be built in Schkopau, Germany, also in 2012, Dow said yesterday.
Together, these sites will significantly expand the company's ability to supply encapsulant films worldwide.
Jirasak Singmaneechai, Dow's country manager, said the new Map Ta Phut factory would support the company's strategy to enhance and expand its presence in Thailand. The factory will be Dow's largest manufacturing facility in Asia-Pacific and comes with access to a seaport, he added.
Dow Enlight PE films help improve the reliability and performance of finished photovoltaic (PV) modules and allow fast processing speeds to help module manufacturers lower their conversion costs.
Demand for PV modules has been growing at about 30% a year, said Brij Sinha, global market manager for photovoltaics and performance plastics.
Investments in renewable energies have continued to skyrocket, growing nearly a third to US$211 billion globally in 2010.
Solar pricing is now becoming competitive with other sources of electricity.
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