Hoku Takes A Step Closer To Full Production

With the plant connected to the power system, Hoku Corporation is another big step closer to getting its Pocatello facility up and running.

“This is a huge milestone in our ability to operate this plant,? Hoku Corp. CEO Scott Paul said.

Until now, Hoku has had to make do with a piecemeal way to power sections of the plant at a time during construction.

“Previously what we were doing was running all the construction and commissioning activities using temporary power and localized power generators,? Paul said.

Now workers will be able to switch on the most power hungry parts of the plant, like the polysilicon reactors.

The polysilicon Hoku produces is used to make solar cells.

The Idaho Department of Labor says green jobs like the ones Hoku brings, will be a big part of the foundation for the regions future.

“Solar energy is probably going to be one of these areas where there will be a lot of interest and a lot of commercial potential for companies and individuals looking to save energy costs,? Department of Labor economist Dan Cravens said.

Right now, 180 full-time employees work at the plant. Within a matter of months that could jump to 300.

Hoku is creating jobs now, but the department of labor says it means even more over the long haul.

“Getting Hoku into the area was definitely a strategic win for the area, and the benefits of it are going to be long term. We are going to see some short-term benefits, but we hope we’ll see some sizable long-term benefits,? Cravens said.

Hoku said the required safety checks and permits from the city required to begin full-scale production could be issued by the end of the year.

Hoku has also announced it is considering expanding the production capabilities at the plant, which could mean up to 200 more employees hired.