Energy

WSU Extension Energy Program

The WSU Extension Energy Program worked closely with legislators as unbiased subject matter experts to draft Senate Bill 5101. The legislation provides incentives for development of solar and wind-based industries and leverages the Energy Program to provide technical assistance and certification services.

Passage of SB 5101 helped make it feasible for REC Silicon to expand operations in Moses Lake. As a result:

The company invested over $1 billion in renovation of the plant.
More than 900 persons are now employed in the expansion phase.
REC Silicon developed new refining technology that uses 90 percent less energy than current technology. This will be applied to their silicon production processes.

WSU Extension, PO Box 646248, Hulbert 411, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6248, 509-335-2837, Contact Us