First Solar and China Guangdong Nuclear to Develop Ordos Solar Energy Project

Plans call for 2 gigawatts, or 2 billion watts, of generating capacity _ the equivalent of two coal-fired plants _ covering 64 square kilometers (25 square miles) to be built in stages through 2020. The first stage is 30 megawatts.
 
The agreement represents an important step forward for the Ordos project, following First Solar’s MOU with the Ordos Government in September, 2009, and the Chinese government’s recent approval of the pre-feasibility study for Phase 1 in September 2010. First Solar President Bruce Sohn and CGN SEDC President Han Qinghao signed the MOU at a ceremony in Beijing today.

Under the terms of the MOU, First Solar and CGN SEDC will work together to execute the 30 MW AC first-phase demonstration project. CGN SEDC will be the majority project owner and operator, performing the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) functions for the project.

First Solar will supply its advanced thin-film solar PV modules to the project and will support CGN SEDC with EPC and O&M advisory services.

"First Solar is honored to be working on the Ordos project with CGN SEDC, a company with demonstrated leadership, expertise and experience. We look forward to working together to make the Ordos project a reality and to contributing to China’s renewable energy goals and market development," said Sohn.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with First Solar, a global leader in solar PV technology, in developing the first significant solar project to adopt advanced thin-film technology in China," commented Han Qinghao.

The Ordos project represents the first large-scale solar collaboration between China and the United States and an example of China-U.S. bilateral cooperation on renewable energy.

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology and provides comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating cost-effective, renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment.

Solar Energy Development Co., Ltd. of China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGN SEDC) was established in August 27, 2009. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group, CGN SEDC focuses on solar power investment, construction, operation and maintenance, and is actively involved in related industries. By the end of 2010, CGN SEDC completed construction of solar facilities capable of producing 20MW, and is currently in the process of constructing facilities with a capacity of 70 MW.

www.firstsolar.com

www.cgnsedc.com.cn