Dow Corning Announces European Investments in Innovation and Solar Energy

02-Jun-2010 - Belgium

Dow Corning has announced that it will invest up to $13 million (USD) to expand its European capabilities to innovate with silicon-based materials and technologies. The investment in a Solar Energy Exploration / Development Center (SEED) includes two new buildings that will complement the company's Business & Technology Center in Seneffe, Belgium. One building, a synthesis Technology Center for the European area, will house laboratories and chemists focusing on innovations in silicon-based materials. The other, the European Solar Solutions Application Center, will focus on advancing the company's technology for use in photovoltaic cells. Construction is expected to begin later in 2010.

Staffed by scientists and, engineers, the Synthesis Technology Center will be designed to support the exploration of new materials and develop new innovative solutions in industries such as construction, beauty and personal care, coating, plastics & composites, automotive & tire, healthcare, and electronics. A specific goal of the center is to shorten the innovation cycle to turn market opportunities and new ideas into profitable solutions for customers and for Dow Corning.

"This investment increases Dow Corning's innovation capabilities in Belgium, allowing us to expand our European research and innovation portfolio and continue to add to our scientific and technical expertise," said Gregg Zank, Dow Corning senior vice president and Chief Technology Officer. "The new facility will open new possibilities for materials development and take our application research to the next level, enabling closer collaboration to better meet the needs of our customers."

In addition to the company's three current solar application centers in the United States and Korea, the European Solar Application Center will enable engineers and scientists to work with customers to develop, evaluate, and test silicon-based materials solutions used to make solar cells.

Other news from the department business & finance

Most read news

More news from our other portals

Discover the latest developments in battery technology!

See the theme worlds for related content

Topic world Synthesis

Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.

15+ products
4 whitepaper
15+ brochures
View topic world

Topic world Synthesis

Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.

15+ products
4 whitepaper
15+ brochures