Saint-Gobain India Sets Up Revolutionary Captive Thin Glass Manufacturing Unit for First Solar
Saint-Gobain India, a leading player in the glass industry, is breaking new ground by establishing a state-of-the-art captive thin glass manufacturing unit exclusively for renowned solar module manufacturer, First Solar. This groundbreaking venture will be located within the esteemed World Glass Complex in Sriperumbudur, India. The decision to collaborate with First Solar reflects Saint-Gobain’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy solutions and fostering strategic partnerships in the solar sector.
Strengthening the Solar Revolution
First Solar is on the cusp of an exciting milestone as it gears up to commence trial runs at its plant in July 2023, with full-scale commercial production slated to begin in October. Sujoy Ghosh, Vice President and Managing Director of First Solar India, shared these eagerly anticipated developments. The establishment of a captive thin glass manufacturing unit is a testament to the growing significance of photovoltaic thin film solar modules, which First Solar will be producing at its 3.3 GW plant in Pillaipakkam.
A Transformative Collaboration
During a recent interaction, A. R. Unnikrishnan, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain India Glass Business, expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous venture. He emphasized that the dedicated thin glass manufacturing unit is exclusively tailored to meet the precise requirements of First Solar’s operations. With the captive plant nearing completion, the commissioning process is expected to conclude within the next six months. Saint-Gobain India has allocated a capital expenditure of ₹150-200 crore to ensure the facility’s seamless integration and cutting-edge capabilities.
Leading the Way in Campus Collaborations
This groundbreaking initiative not only marks a significant milestone for First Solar and Saint-Gobain India but also stands as the first-ever captive plant established by Saint-Gobain for a third party within its esteemed Sriperumbudur campus. This collaboration showcases Saint-Gobain’s dedication to fostering innovation, supporting green initiatives, and cultivating strong alliances in the solar energy domain.
A Path to a Sustainable Future
Sujoy Ghosh further shared that First Solar’s integrated factory will initially possess a remarkable capacity of 3.3 GW to manufacture PV thin film solar modules. With a vision for continuous growth and technological advancement, this capacity is projected to be further upgraded to an impressive 3.5 GW within the next two to three years. Ghosh reaffirmed First Solar’s unwavering commitment by stating that 98% of the civil work for the project has been completed, and the promised investment of ₹6,000 crore will be fully realized.
Through this pioneering collaboration, Saint-Gobain India and First Solar are spearheading the charge toward a sustainable future. By combining their expertise, cutting-edge technology, and shared commitment to environmental stewardship, they are poised to revolutionize the solar industry. This endeavor not only showcases the potential of clean energy but also exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
Source: Saint-Gobain with additional information added by GlassBalkan
