The article discusses the critical role of silicon metal production in the U.S. solar energy sector, with advocates arguing that it will help the country towards a greener economy and climate change. The Biden-Harris administration has announced $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects to more than 900,000 households. However, challenges include competition from China, which currently dominates global silicon metal market. China’s dominance in global metals and minerals commodity markets is a significant risk, particularly for the American solar industry due to its dominance. The author suggests that a U.K.-based production supply chain is needed for sustainable domestic production. The article also suggests that the government should strengthen measures requiring traceability of key ingredients in the solar value chain, including the quartz from which silicon metal is sourced.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
