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Solvay and Huatai expand hydrogen peroxide capacity in China

Solvay and Huatai expand hydrogen peroxide capacity in China to meet growing photovoltaic demand

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The investment supports China’s carbon neutrality roadmap and will enable the site to produce 48 kilotons of photovoltaic-grade hydrogen peroxide.

Solvay is further extending its leadership position in the global hydrogen peroxide market by expanding the capacity of its Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical site in China. Building on its existing partnership with Huatai Chemical, the strategic alliance will enable the site to produce 48 kilotons of photovoltaic-grade hydrogen peroxide annually by 2025. This strategic investment not only reinforces Solvay's worldwide market leadership but also positions it to efficiently meet the rising demand from the photovoltaic industry, further supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector in Northern China.

Solar panels harness the power of photovoltaic cells to transform sunlight into electrical energy. Throughout their manufacturing, these cells are meticulously cleaned through several stages. Here, hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role as a powerful oxidizing agent in the cleaning solution. Its appeal lies in its ability to dissociate into water and oxygen, making it an environmentally friendly choice for the cleaning process. The use of high-quality hydrogen peroxide is essential to enhance the performance of photovoltaic cells, which is a key element in ensuring the optimal conversion efficiency of solar panels.

"In alignment with China’s ambitious carbon neutrality targets, our collaboration positions Solvay as a key contributor. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and building on our established presence in the high-purity hydrogen peroxide market, this strategic partnership capitalizes on the rapid expansion of China’s photovoltaic market,” said Philippe Kehren, Solvay CEO. “This project highlights our commitment to sustainability and strengthens our capability to secure a more significant share of the thriving Chinese market, further enhancing our well-established industrial presence in the region."

"Our joint venture with Solvay is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. This expansion is not just about increasing capacity; it's about contributing significantly to China's carbon neutrality goals and the photovoltaic industry's growth. By boosting our site's capability, we are not only meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving market but also reinforcing our position as a key player in the renewable energy sector," said Mr. Wang Yukang, Chairman of the Huatai Chemicals Group.

In 2010, Solvay and Huatai founded the Shandong Huatai Interox Chemical Company joint venture. Situated in the Dongying Technical and Economics Development Zone of the Shandong Province, this plant has strategically positioned Solvay at the heart of the dynamic Chinese market, which is recognized as the world's largest for Hydrogen Peroxide. 

Solar panels rely on photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electricity. During the production process, these cells undergo multiple washes, and hydrogen peroxide, a powerful oxidizing agent, is a vital component in the cleaning solution. Its appeal lies in its ability to dissociate into water and oxygen, making it an environmentally friendly choice for the cleaning fluid. The use of high-quality hydrogen peroxide is paramount in enhancing the output of photovoltaic cells, a critical factor in ensuring the optimal conversion efficiency of solar panels.

The significance of this venture was marked by a high-profile signing ceremony on January 22, 2024. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Carlos Silveira, President of Solvay GBU Peroxides; Mr. Li Jian Hua, Founder of Huatai Group; Mr. Wang Yukang, Chairman of the Huatai Chemicals Group; and Ms. Siriporn Wuthiloahaphan, APAC Business Director of Solvay Peroxides and Chairman of Shandong Huatai Interox Chemicals. Other distinguished guests included local authorities, such as Mr. He Xian Zhuo, Vice Mayor, and Mr. Kang Mao Li, Leader of Dongying TEDZ, emphasizing the ceremony's importance for the region and the industries involved.

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Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. As a world-leading company with €5.6 billion in net sales in 2022 and listings on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB), its unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.