Punj Lloyd-constructed plant in Qatar produces its first polysilicon

The contract for the 8,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) manufacturing facility in Qatar was awarded to Punj Lloyd by Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) as part of QSTec’s plans to set up a plant for high-purity solar grade polysilicon.

The site was in Ras Laffan Industrial City in the north east of Qatar, the heart of Qatar’s LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) refineries and exports.

Speaking on this milestone, Director of Punj Lloyd, Atul Jain said, “We are happy that as the EPC contractor of this world-class facility, we have been able to establish our client’s commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and greenhouse gas reduction.”

QSTec plans to expand the capacity of this plant to over 50,000 MTPA. 

After producing the first polysilicon, QSTec’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Khalid K. Al Hajri said: “We are now moving from the construction phase towards full scale production and it’s an incredibly exciting time for QSTec and the region’s solar industry. The MENA region’s solar industry is forecast for high growth and QSTec is well positioned to meet this demand.”

Polysilicon is the key raw material used in 90% of the world’s solar modules.

The new facility uses environmentally friendly technologies, next generation reactors, energy efficient cooling systems and advanced waste treatment facilities that recycle excess gasses and water for reuse in a closed loop system that reduces costs.

QSTec’s new facility has a 1.1 megawatt solar installation that includes a ground mounted solar farm as well as rooftop and solar car parking shades.

The Punj Lloyd Group is a diversified international conglomerate offering EPC services in Energy and Infrastructure along with engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the Defence sector.