By Kari Williamson

SolarWorld has established the joint venture Qatar Solar Technologies together with Qatar Solar and the Qatar Development Bank which has now awarded the contract for the construction of the solar silicon factory to the Indian general contractor Punj Lloyd Group.

The 120 hectar site is located in the industrial estate of Ras Laffan in the North of the capital Doha. Production of high purity poly-silicon could start in the second half of 2013.

“By expanding our capacities for silicon production we further reduce the costs for clean solar power,” says SolarWorld Chairman and CEO Dr Ing E h Frank Asbeck.

Centrotherm will supply the technical plant and equipment.