Ausra Selected As Technology Provider For 100 MW Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project In Jordan

The selection of Ausra is an important milestone in the development of JOAN1, which will also include a back-up fossil-fuel boiler to guarantee 24-hour dispatchable electric power. The project is expected to enter operation in 2013 and will be the largest CSP project in the world using direct solar steam generation.
 
Ausra's selection as the solar boiler provider was announced in Berlin during SolarPACES, the CSP industry's largest conference. Ausra was selected as the solar steam system provider after a competitive tender offer.
 
Samer Zureikat, Managing Director of Germany-based MENA Cleantech AG, announced the selection of Ausra at SolarPACES.
 
"Ausra's robust and cost-effective solar boiler technology, its team of experienced power industry veterans, as well as its OEM business model make it the most suitable solar steam boiler company to provide equipment for this landmark project," stated Zureikat.
 
Regarding the choice of Ma'an as the site for the world's first large-scale direct steam CSP plant, Zureikat noted that, "Jordan's modern investment laws and progressive regulatory climate coupled with its unparalleled solar resource make Ma'an one of the best locations in the world to build a Concentrating Solar Power plant."
 
JOAN1 will rely on Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector technology to power the plant's solar steam cycle and generate up to 100 MW of electricity. JOAN1 will use dry cooling to conserve water. Ausra plans to install an advanced manufacturing facility in Jordan in order to supply JOAN1 with its solar steam boilers. The project is scheduled for financial close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011.
 
About Ausra's Technology and Solar Steam Systems
Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) solar steam systems are designed for existing fossil-fired plants, new standalone solar and solar/fossil hybrid plants, and a diverse range of industrial customers. Ausra is the first solar steam boiler manufacturer to be awarded the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) ‘S' Stamp, the industry hallmark of acceptance and certification.
 
CLFR is the most land-efficient solar technology in operation, generating 1.5-to-3 times more peak power per acre of land than competing solar technologies. This high energy density translates into lower costs, a smaller environmental footprint and greater access to existing power plant and industrial sites. Additional information on Ausra's CLFR technology is available at http://www.ausra.com/technology.
 
About Ausra, Inc.
Ausra is a leader in concentrated solar thermal energy design, development, and manufacturing and is committed to serving the global power generation and industrial steam needs of its customers in a dependable, market-competitive and environmentally responsible manner. Ausra is a privately held company, with headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. and operations in the United States and Australia. To learn more about Ausra and solar thermal energy, visit www.ausra.com.