Manufacturing plants
#1. Moses Lake, Washington
Moses Lake, Washington, home to REC Silicons largest plant, is emerging as a major silicon hub for a myriad of battery materials companies thanks to a perfect trifecta: access to local government support, critical supplies and – one of our foremost priorities – renewable energy.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has highlighted the state, and specifically Moses Lake, as being at the forefront of the clean technology revolution. The groundbreaking of Sila Nanotechnologies’ factory in Moses Lake, for instance, is seen as a vital step in developing next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles. Inslee's support for developing the electric car industry as a means to combat climate change and create industrial jobs has played a role in attracting these companies to the area.
The state government has been actively involved in ensuring that infrastructure developments, like electric transmission utilities and housing construction, keep pace with the economic growth in Moses Lake.
#2. Butte, Montana
Butte, Montana, home to REC Silicon`s second plant, is increasingly becoming a notable location for businesses. The developments in Butte, especially in the Montana Connections Business Park, point towards a concerted effort to establish the region as a key player in the clean energy and advanced technology industries. The presence of REC Silicon and its role as a supplier of critical materials like silane gas is an essential factor in attracting and supporting these businesses.
100-day supply chain review
As early as the second quarter of 2021, during its 100-day supply chain review, the Biden administration recognized REC Silicon as a potential candidate for expanding domestic silane gas production. This recognition underlines the strategic importance of REC Silicon in the U.S. supply chain.
The Butte facility is known for producing silane gas and other advanced silicon materials used predominantly in the semiconductor industry. These materials are essential for various semiconductor applications, including the manufacture of microchips and electronic devices. In contrast, REC Silicon's facility in Moses Lake, Washington, has been more aligned with the production of polysilicon for the solar industry.
Logistical Advantage
REC Silicon leads in global distribution with the world's largest fleet of silane containers, from small cylinders to 40-foot modules. This enables safe, efficient transport of silane gas, essential for silicon anodes and other silicon products, underlining their industry superiority in safety, quality, and logistics.
This logistical capability is crucial for safely and efficiently transporting silane gas. For Amprius, having a plant in Brighton, relatively close to REC Silicon’s facility, could offer logistical advantages in terms of consistent and reliable supply of silane gas. The choice of Brighton for Amprius’ plant could be strategically influenced by its proximity to REC Silicon, among other factors of course. But being within a manageable distance is certainly an important one.
