Silicon-Action-Plan-Broll

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Silicon is one of

the most abundant elements on our planet,

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with the most common form

being silica sand or SiO2.

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SiO2 is a vital starting material

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for concrete, solar panels,

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fiber optics,

and even aluminum alloys used in your car.

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We need a lot of pure silicon

for the energy transition especially.

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The world requires

four terawatt hours of solar PV

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by 2050, making the demand even greater.

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Solar panels are made from a form of

silica called high purity quartz,

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which is first

reduced into elemental silicon,

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then upgraded to polysilicon, cells,

and then into panels.

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This lengthy process generally produces

a lot of CO2, and with a fragile

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global supply chain, Australia

has the chance to make a big difference.

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Currently, the United States supplies

a lot of the quartz, while China produces

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the vast majority of the world's

polysilicon and solar panels.

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With Australia's access

to high purity quartz

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and the growing demand for solar PV,

we have the potential to become

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an industry leader

in producing clean, renewable electricity.

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But it will take work

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to establish our own supply

chains and ensure carbon neutrality.

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Considering new process techniques

like the use of green

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hydrogen to replace carbon

reductants is essential.

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This is our chance to become a leader

in green silicon

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and polysilicon production

and in creating new industries.

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Will you join us?