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Jan. 11 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden said Wednesday that a $2.5 billion investment in a Georgia solar cell plant by South Korea's Hanwha Qcells shows the United States can become a leader in clean energy production. Qcells, billed as the largest investment in US history, has announced it will invest billions in Georgia to build a "complete US solar supply chain".
Qcells said construction will soon begin on the facility, which is expected to create around 2,500 new jobs in Georgia.
In a statement praising the investment decision, Biden said it could help solidify the United States as a world leader in manufacturing during the clean energy transition.
"It will reset our supply chain so we are not dependent on other countries, lower the cost of clean energy and help us fight the climate crisis," he said. "And that ensures we're creating the latest solar technology right here at home."
The Biden administration earmarked nearly $10 million for the 2022 bipartisan infrastructure package for the solar industry. Broad incentives are aimed at developing the country's renewable energy sector to avoid dependence on foreign suppliers.
China has previously been accused of flooding the solar panel market with cheap products that outbid domestic manufacturers.
The Korean company said the investment decision is part of a broader effort to expand its presence in the US market through direct manufacturing.
"As the demand for clean energy continues to grow across the country, we are ready to employ thousands of people to create sustainable, 100% American solar solutions, from raw materials to finished panels," said Justin Lee, the company's CEO. Qcells. .
Qcells opened its first solar cell factory in Georgia in 2019, producing 1.7 gigawatts of solar energy. The new investment will help the company expand its production capacity in Georgia to 8.4 GW by 2024.
