Tennessee Valley Authority
Green Power Switch News
Growing green jobs in the Tenessee Valley
The growth of green, clean energy technology jobs offers a sense of optimism in the current economy, and these jobs are being created right here in the Tennessee Valley.
Officials Announce Dow Corning–Hemlock Semiconductor Site Selection
Pictured from left to right: Clarksville Mayor John E. Piper, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, Dow Corning Corporation President & CEO Dr. Stephanie Burns, Hemlock Semiconductor Group President & CEO Rick Doornbos, Tennessee Commissioner of Economic & Community Development Matt Kisber, and Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers in December 2008.
Two large polycrystalline silicon manufacturers have announced they will build plants in Tennessee. Dow Corning– Hemlock Semiconductor chose a site in Clarksville, and Wacker Chemie AG announced it will locate operations in Charleston, near Cleveland. Polycrystalline silicon is used in the manufacture of solar panels and other energy equipment.
“A growing reliance on sustainable forms of energy is leading to growth rates of 30 to 40 percent annually for the solar industry,” said Matt Kisber, Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner. “Tennessee will play a leading role in the growth of solar technology for many years to come.”
Dow Corning–Hemlock is making a $1.2 billion initial investment resulting in 500 or more direct jobs. The Wacker operation in Bradley County represents an investment of around $1 billion and will create 500 jobs during phase I. Both plants will require an additional 1,000 workers during construction.
Other renewable industries that have located in the Tennessee Valley include the first automated wind tower production facility in North America, Aerisyn, in Chattanooga, and a solar panel company, Sharp Manufacturing, in Memphis.