Arkema partners with French energy institute for solar technology lab

Chemical supplier Arkema Inc. has teamed up with France’s solar energy institute (INES) to create what is said to be the first private/public mixed research laboratory dedicated to the development of polymer materials for photovoltaic module technologies.

The move is designed by Arkema to boost its capabilities with photovoltaic panels.

According to Arkema, the new joint laboratory – to be located near Savoie, France – will pool Arkema’s knowledge of polymers, polymer films and nanomaterials with the expertise of the Institut National de l’Energie Solaire (INES) in design and in development processes for innovative photovoltaic modules, silicon and thin layers.

The venture will be in place for an initial four-year period, Arkema said.