Alstom enters solar market through BrightSource Energy
Power generation equipment and service provider major Alstom is strengthening its renewables portfolio through a partnership with BrightSource Energy Inc aiming the high-growth solar energy market. With an investment of US $55 million in BrightSource Energy Inc, Alstom becomes one of the main shareholders in the company which specialises in designing, building and operating tower based solar thermal power plants. The company have it foot prints 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 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.”
“This partnership with BrightSource is a new step in Alstom’s clean power strategy,” Joubert added. “BrightSource’s pioneering solar tower thermal power technology complements Alstom’s renewable energy solutions, building on our strength in hydro, geothermal, wind, tidal power, biomass and waste-to-energy solutions.”
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. 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.”
Leave your response!