Air Liquide has signed a long-term contract with 3Sun to become the sole supplier of gases and services to the new company. 3Sun, a manufacturing joint venture using Sharp technology to produce solar panels in Catania, Italy, was established by Enel Green Power, Sharp Corp. and STMicroelectronics NV.
The factory will start operations in 2011, with an initial capacity of 160 MW per year. The agreement covers the supply of very large volumes of specialty gases, the pipeline supply of carrier gases and the provision of all related services. Air Liquide will build the entire gas distribution and gas abatement networks on a turnkey basis.
In order to meet these needs, Air Liquide will invest in additional hydrogen production capabilities in Sicily and in the specialty gases supply chain, the company adds.
SOURCE: Air Liquide
