The agreement sets into play the first two projects that are intended to lead to a broader long-term relationship to develop renewable energy in the western U.S. utilizing Raser’s resource portfolio and HHI’s renewable energy equipment manufacturing capabilities. The agreement also sets forth the first phase of commercial production of electric fleet vehicles utilizing HHI’s high tech engineering and manufacturing capability and Raser’s powertrain technology.
HHI Chairman, Dr. K.S. Min, attended the Western Governors’ Association ("WGA") annual meeting to meet with governors of western states where potential renewable energy projects will be located. The WGA annual meeting agenda calls for coordinated steps to be taken by western states to address climate adaptation, including the development of renewable energy.
"We are committed to meeting the challenges of global climate change in the two key industries that can reduce fossil fuel emissions the most, renewable energy and electric vehicles," said Dr. Min. "We selected Raser as a development partner because of their leadership in electric vehicles, and their sizable holdings of highly valuable renewable resources," concluded Min.
The "Well-to-Wheels" demonstration projects, identified in this initial MOU, consist of a 5 megawatt solar power generation project, and the production of the first 3 extended range electric trucks ("E-REV") for U.S. fleet customers.
The proposed solar power project will be built at Raser’s Thermo site in southern Utah, using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and transmission equipment manufactured by HHI. The solar power plant will be co-located with Raser’s geothermal power plant to enable the demonstration of a unique new zero emissions blended renewable ("ZEBRA") development by Raser.
"When completed, the project will be the first phase in demonstrating the potential value of HHI and Raser’s relationship in developing renewable energy projects on Raser’s sizeable holdings where all three renewable resources, geothermal, solar power and wind energy coexist in close proximity to existing transmission lines in a unique ‘Triple Play’ area of Utah’s renewable energy zone, where Raser holds a large property portfolio," commented Raser Executive Vice President Richard Clayton.
In subsequent phases of the project, solar and wind power will be blended with Raser’s base-load geothermal energy enabling better availability and reliability preferred by utilities.
In addition, the MOU launches the first phase of commercial production of E-REVs to begin filling standing orders for clean alternative fueled vehicles by leading U.S. government and commercial fleets. Both projects are anticipated to be completed over the next several months, with the first E-REV trucks to be introduced by the nation’s largest electric utility, Pacific Gas & Electric in California.
Upon the successful demonstration of these two initial projects, the two companies plan to explore a broader business relationship relating to the development of ZEBRA (blended) renewable energy and electric vehicle production.
HHI is a leading global manufacturer of grid electric transmission, electric motors, ships, large vehicles and electric buses and is positioning to become a world leader in solar and wind turbines as well.
Kraig Higginson, Chairman of Raser Technologies, said, "HHI is an ideal partner due to their manufacturing and financial strength in the two key areas of focus for Raser. We have been working for several years to establish this strategic relationship and are pleased to now take this first step. We share a vision with HHI that we can meet the challenges of climate change and look forward to working together combining the strengths of our two companies in these projects."
More information on the Raser ZEBRA and Renewable Energy "Triple Play" can be found at www.rasertech.com/ZEBRA and more information on Raser’s E-REV fleet truck program can be found at www.rasertech.com/htrucks.
Raser (NYSE: RZ) is an environmental energy technology company focused on renewable energy development and technology licensing. Raser’s Power Systems segment develops clean, renewable electric power plants with one geothermal plant operating in southern Utah and eight active and early stage projects in four western United States: Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon, as well as a concession for 100,000 acres in Indonesia. Raser’s Transportation and Industrial segment focuses on extended-range plug-in-hybrid vehicle solutions and using Raser’s award-winning Symetron(TM) technology to improve the torque density and efficiency of the electric motors and drive systems used in electric and hybrid-electric vehicle powertrains and industrial applications.
HHI is the world’s largest ship building company as well as a global leader in its 5 other business segments, including Offshore & Engineering, Industrial Plant & Engineering, Engine & Machinery, Construction Equipment, Electro Electric System including high-tech AC induction motor, Drive System, Generator, Solar Panel, Wind Turbine System, Transformer, etc. HHI also operates 15 other companies as affiliates. Through these business operations, HHI with its 15 affiliates achieved approximately USD 50 billion annual sales revenue in 2009.
