The Tennessean
By Stephanie A. Burns, Ph.D.
Published: December 21, 2008
Last week, I had the pleasure to be with Gov. Phil Bredesen and Sen. Bob Corker and a host of local, state and federal officials and community leaders to herald a new industry for Clarksville: solar silicon manufacturing. Everyone at Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor enjoyed a warm Tennessee welcome.
This significant investment is the culmination of two years of searching, evaluating and negotiating terms for the best possible place to grow Hemlock Semiconductor, a Dow Corning joint venture company.
The Hemlock Semiconductor investment starts with $1.2 billion as we build the first step of the solar silicon supply chain and create thousands of jobs.
Where it goes from there is up to each of us as Americans. We must be committed to energy independence, economic growth and to nurturing the emerging renewable energy economy that can take us there.
There is so much potential for the U.S. to grow in expertise and implementation of renewable energy, even amid the current crisis facing our country. I strongly believe that a solar power industry is necessary for revitalization of our manufacturing sector.
Dow Corning innovation will help lead the development of this strategically important new industry — dedicated to development of green jobs and clean technologies.
Hemlock Semiconductor produces the base materials for solar panels, and Dow Corning produces Silicon-based materials that are used at every point along the solar supply chain — we are one of very few companies who do this. We are diversified within solar — investing and exploring next generation innovations for next generation citizens.
However, investing in solar and other renewable energy technologies will only help reinvigorate our U.S. economy if we have the right policy and federal direction.
We must start with a multifaceted public policy approach to developing a diverse energy portfolio; American solar power sits at the center of a comprehensive national strategy.
Achieving greater energy security for our country will take federal leadership, smart, integrated policy, and the investment and innovation of private industry. We need to focus on re-training idle workers, provide greater incentives for citizens to install solar electricity and create an economic environment in the U.S. that attracts green companies.
On behalf of Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor, join us, to encourage a climate of collaboration and commitment to design responsible renewable energy goals for the United States and the world.
Support your legislators in this quest. Teach your children energy efficiency … and let them teach us. The U.S. isn't leading here — yet — and we must if we are to have a positive global impact.
Our nations, our economy, our environment … our customers, our employees and our communities deserve nothing less than our best effort.
I look forward to working with each of you, our new partners in Tennessee, as we take these steps together.
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