Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Group: Striking Balance – How the Solar Industry Benefits From the U.S. & China
15 Dezembro 2011 - 2:10PM
Business Wire
The following is an opinion editorial provided by Robert D.
Hansen, president and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation & Stephanie
A. Burns, chairman, Dow Corning Corporation:
Robert D. Hansen, president and CEO of
Dow Corning Corporation. (Photo: Business Wire)
The trade case brought against Chinese solar manufacturers by
U.S. solar-panel producer SolarWorld and six other domestic
equipment makers could undermine the solar industry’s significant
progress at the very moment it is poised for success.
With a largely jobless recovery here at home and a Chinese
economy that is “cooling down,” a trade war over solar module
production threatens both nations’ economies and the global
viability of the solar industry overall.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating
whether or not it should impose preliminary tariffs in the case –
this is occurring against the backdrop of a growing chorus of
political rhetoric. Meanwhile, China’s Commerce Ministry is not
standing idle—they are gearing up for action. It appears they are
serious about initiating their own measures in anticipation of the
U.S. advocating for trade remedies to be put in place.
At a time of economic dislocation and discontent, it is tempting
to politicize trade disputes. But no nation or industry “wins” when
these disputes escalate—and the unintended consequences of such an
escalation will most likely outweigh the larger, negative impact on
this important relationship with our largest trading partner.
The pending case raises concerns, but resolving this issue
through an adversarial confrontation will impede both countries’
abilities to benefit from a growing solar market both in the U.S.
and abroad. Such benefits are only possible through lower prices
catalyzed by healthy competition between global manufacturers.
Countries around the world realize the economic contributions the
solar industry can provide, and are supporting new technologies and
markets. This is not news. But to be clear: Competition and
incentives need to be fair for all industry players.
Our companies, Dow Corning Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor
Group are among the world’s leading suppliers of polysilicon and
other key solar materials that power solar innovation. Together,
our common goal is to contribute to and support a thriving solar
industry. Our recent U.S. investments of more than $5 billion back
up that statement. We are expanding research, development and
manufacturing capacity for materials such as polysilicon to help
meet growing global demand. Our investments have made positive
contributions toward getting the economy back on track – creating
thousands of high paying jobs in economically hard-hit states like
Michigan and Tennessee.
Further, our business analyses indicate that now is the time for
America’s solar industry to take off. The amount of new solar
wattage installed in the U.S. has been growing more than 70 percent
per year since 2008. Last year alone, the solar industry created
approximately 100,000 jobs, an increase of nearly 7 percent.
As the solar industry continues to mature, the steep decline in
solar panel prices have made solar energy affordable, delivering
significant benefits for consumers while encouraging the
development of large-scale photovoltaic projects. These
installations, from residential rooftops to utility-scale solar
farms are helping the economy and the environment.
Continued investments made by domestic and foreign solar
companies will allow solar to play an increasingly pivotal role in
our country’s energy mix. And, as the solar industry continues to
grow and achieve economies of scale, it will further drive job
creation in communities around the country, up and down the value
chain from manufacturing to installation.
The world wants and needs growing, sustainable and
environmentally beneficial sources of energy. To that end, a
growing U.S. solar market is good business for everyone – for our
companies and dozens of other domestic manufacturers; for
distributors, developers, and installers; and for households, small
businesses and other enterprises.
In a down economy, the numbers help tell the tale: A recent
Forbes story notes that the U.S. was a $5.6 billion gross exporter
in solar-related products in 2010 – exporting $1.9 billion more
than it imported – including net exports of approximately $400
million to China.
The solar industry is ready for its moment in the sun: Here at
home, we hope fairness prevails so that the investigatory process
proceeds without acrimony, political overzealousness or
protectionism; at stake are U.S. jobs, U.S. exports, and U.S.
consumer benefits for a strategically important U.S industry.
About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing
solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers
worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology
and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and
services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow
Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning,
Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are
outside the United States. Dow Corning’s global operations adhere
to the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative, a
stringent set of standards designed to advance the safe and secure
management of chemical products and processes.
About Hemlock Semiconductor Group
Hemlock Semiconductor Group (hscpoly.com) consists of several
joint venture companies owned by Dow Corning Corporation, Shin-Etsu
Handotai and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Hemlock
Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and
other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of
semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Hemlock
Semiconductor began its operations in 1961.
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