Suntech Power will supply approximately 100 megawatts (MW) of solar panels for two projects that are being developed, built and operated by a consortium led by Mainstream Renewable Power in South Africa.
Wuxi, China, December 10, 2012 – Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels, has announced that it will supply approximately 100 megawatts (MW) of solar panels for two projects that are being developed, built and operated by a consortium led by Mainstream Renewable Power in South Africa. The projects, which are being developed at two separate sites in the Northern Cape of South Africa, will be designed and constructed by Siemens and will be operational by mid-2014.
David King, Suntech’s CEO said, “We are excited to be partnering with Mainstream Renewable Power, one of the world’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, and Siemens, which is renowned for its engineering and implementation expertise. These landmark projects will showcase the ability of solar to provide clean and sustainable energy to South African communities.”
The projects will use Suntech’s Vd series modules, which are well-suited for utility-scale power plant installations. The solar systems are expected to generate 180 gigawatt-hours of electricity, enough to power approximately 15,000 households and displace approximately 180,000 tons of carbon emissions per year.
Eddie O’Connor Chief Executive of Mainstream Renewable Power said, “Suntech’s proven track record of powering utility-scale power plants, reliable technology and their global support network were central to our decision to partner with them. With quality components and engineering, we are confident these projects will demonstrate the capabilities of solar energy in South Africa and set the foundation for a sustainable future.”
O’Connor added, “I first visited Suntech’s manufacturing facility in Wuxi in early 2010 and the quality of technology focus and ability to maintain a high level power output throughout the project lifecycle were key considerations in our technology choice.”
“We are all proud to participate in the South African government’s first round of tenders and be awarded as suppliers for these two photovoltaic plants. The combination of Suntech’s technology and Siemens execution strength as well as our strong local team set-up will form a perfect partnership that will set the highest standard for our partner Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. These projects are opening the door to one of the most interesting emerging renewable energy markets”, stated Ted Scheidegger, CEO of Siemens Solar & Hydro Division.
The 100MW solar plants are among the first projects to be granted licenses under South Africa’s first Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP). The programme targets the installation of 1,450MW of photovoltaic solar plants by the end of 2014 and 8.2GW by 2030.
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Founder and Executive Chairman said, “With rapid cost declines over the past decade, solar is not only environmentally friendly, but also cost competitive with many other forms of energy generation. We are confident that South Africa’s clear renewable energy policy will provide a blueprint for other countries in the region. We enjoy a strong relationship with Dr. O’Connor and the team in Mainstream and these projects are a very important milestone in our relationship.”
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Media Contacts
Bjoern Emde
Communications Manager Europe
Suntech Power International Ltd.
Tel: +41 52 633 12 56
Email: bjoern.emde@suntech-power.com
Wibke Sonderkamp / Franziska Buch
GlobalCom PR-Network
Tel: +49-89-360363-40
Email: wibke@gcpr.net / franziska@gcpr.net
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for use for residential, industrial and utility purposes. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 25,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech’s pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech’s mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy source.
For more information on Suntech’s people and products, please visit www.suntech-power.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “plans to”, “expects to,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends to,” “optimistic,” “plans,” “believes,” “considers” and similar statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Suntech’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward- looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
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