Alstom enters solar market

This operation takes place as part of a capital increase of $150 million organised by BrightSource. This privately-owned company is a specialist in designing,building and operating tower based solar thermal power plants with operations in the USA,Israel and Australia.

Philippe Joubert,Alstom Power President,said: “With this agreement,Alstom and BrightSource intend to enter into a fruitful industrial relationship which will enhance BrightSource’s leading position in the solar energy market. Alstom’s Plant Integrator capabilities,proven engineering,procurement and construction (EPC) skills and global customer base will help BrightSource make solar energy cost competitive with fossil fuels by developing,building,owning and operating the most cost-effective and reliable large-scale solar energy projects.”

BrightSource’s technology employs thousands of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a central receiver atop a tower to produce high temperature steam at the highest levels of solar efficiency. The steam is then piped to a steam turbine and generator which produce electricity. Because BrightSource’s tower technology can operate at the highest steam temperature ranges,the system benefits from the highest efficiency,performance and therefore lowest cost-per-MW among solar technologies.

John M. Woolard,CEO and President of BrightSource,said: “Alstom’s investment in BrightSource illustrates the important role of our Luz Power Tower technology in meeting global demand for highly efficient,reliable and carbon-free energy resources. Alstom is a world leader in power generation. Their commercial and industrial capabilities and our shared commitment to innovation and environmental leadership make this a natural fit. We welcome Alstom and we look forward to building on this relationship as we continue to grow the US solar market and expand internationally.”