The first phase of a possible solar industry cluster is in the works in southeast Manitoba. Companies of the same industry often cluster together because they benefit from proximity to each other. Sio Silica makes the first ingredient — pure quartz silica — that goes into the production of a host of other end products like solar panels and batteries. And if they get approval to go to work, they’ve got a $3 billion partner waiting in the wings that it’s interested in making solar panels and bringing 8,000 jobs.
Why does it matter in Minot? Lessons in economic development — like the value of clustering — are always important, but it’s yet another example of investment dollars spreading into clean energy alternatives, too.
