Nuon opens test plant for flexible solar cells in Arnhem
Jun 24, 2009 | Arnhem Sunny future for renewable energy
This afternoon Nuon opened the first test plant for the production of flexible solar cells in the Netherlands. The plant is developing a production method that will enable solar cells to be produced ‘on the roll’. This more efficient production process will make these flexible solar cells cheaper. Solar power can then become more competitive with conventional electricity. Nuon aims to significantly increase the share of solar energy in total energy supply in the next few years.
The solar cells can be produced on rolls as they are light and flexible. This production method has the advantage not only that mass production is possible but also that the application of solar cells in existing materials or products is simpler. The flexible solar cells are easier to incorporate in, for example, roof covering, building facades or even sunblinds or baffle boards.
1 million m2 of flexible solar cells
Nuon subsidiary Helianthos is developing a technology to produce solar cells on rolls. Initially the laminate was produced in a width of 30 cm. The first steps are now being taken in the test plant to produce a laminate with a width of 120 cm. Once the development process has been successfully completed, Nuon will start the construction of a production plant for Nuon Helianthos. This will also be in Arnhem. The production plant is expected to be able to manufacture approximately 1 million m2 of solar cell laminate annually.
The Dutch company Nuon Helianthos, together with its knowledge partners, is a global leader in terms of the development of a new production technology for flexible solar cells. The aim is to supply solar energy at the same price as grey power. Lower costs and better applications are expected to make solar energy a more attractive alternative for businesses and consumers.
About Nuon
Nuon is an ambitious energy company, serving more than three million consumers and organisations with over 10,000 employees in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Nuon produces, transports and delivers electricity, gas, heating and cooling, and engages in energy trading in the major international markets. Nuon also supplies additional services and technological innovations to businesses and consumers. In doing so, Nuon aims to provide a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply.
With a turnover of EUR 6.1 billion in 2008, Nuon occupies a prominent position in the Dutch energy market. The shares are held by local and regional authorities.
Effective 1 July 2008, Nuon was split into a network company and a production and supply company. The two companies now operate independently under a financial holding company and a joint Board of Directors and Supervisory Board.