| Press Release |
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| October 17, 2008 |
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Governor Kulongoski Welcomes SolarWorld to Oregon
Hillsboro SolarWorld represents the largest solar manufacturing company in North America
(Hillsboro) — Governor Ted Kulongoski today joined executives from SolarWorld to cut the ribbon on a new solar manufacturing facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, marking the opening of the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in North America.
With the addition of SolarWorld in Oregon’s line up of solar manufacturing facilities, the total capital investment amount has increased to approximately $1.5 billion and over 2,000 new family-wage jobs over the last two years.
“This project means $400 million directly invested in Oregon’s economy and 1,000 new jobs by 2011,” said Governor Kulongoski. “This project is also helping Oregon become a national – and international – leader in renewable energy development and production.”
The solar industry is expected to triple in the next three years from roughly $13 billion to $40 billion in revenue. SolarWorld Hillsboro is a 480,000 square foot facility where raw silicon is transformed into solar cells that are eventually processed into solar panels. SolarWorld acquired the factory in March of 2007 and is investing more than $400 million into the new facility to meet increasing worldwide demand. The plant is expected to reach a manufacturing capacity of 500 megawatts by 2011.
“The state of Oregon and our private partners are committed to making this technology – which is critical to energy security and cutting greenhouse gases – a powerful job-creating engine for the Oregon economy,” said Governor Kulongoski. “When SolarWorld chose Oregon, it was a testament to the value we put on renewable energy development, and making Oregon the best location for companies like SolarWorld.”
The state of Oregon provided the project $40 million in Business Energy Tax Credits and $1 million from the Strategic Reserve Fund for workforce training.
“Especially during these uncertain times, Oregon must remain aggressive in developing economic opportunities in industries that will create high wage jobs and be in high demand for the long-term – industries like renewable energy,” the Governor said. “These industries are the future economic engine of our state and our nation and with the addition of SolarWorld, Oregon is on track to be a national and international leader.”
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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