SCHOTT Solar welcomes Consul General Eric Nelson

·     Renewable energy sources a key driver of economic growth

·     Only a few more days before the inauguration of SCHOTT Solar manufacturing in the United States

Mainz, May 7, 2009 – Today, only days before the company officially opens its new plant in the U.S. state of New Mexico, SCHOTT Solar welcome U.S. Consul General Eric Nelson to its headquarters in Alzenau, Germany. During a tour of the plant, conversations focused on the potential that renewable energy sources hold and the opportunities that the solar industry offers for the global economy.

The taking of office of U.S. President Barack Obama has given renewable energy a significant boost. The United States have now taken on the issue of energy and climate protection as a challenge and are now proposing solutions that deserve to be taken seriously for the first time in many years. German companies will also benefit from these. “Today, renewable energy sources meet with high acceptance among society. Nevertheless, the ecological upheaval of the global economy still stands before us. Therefore, both industry and politics need to take responsibility for driving forward the use of alternative forms of energy in a consistent manner. The conversation held with U.S. Consul General Nelson clearly showed that this path has now been paved and that Germany and the United States are both strong partners in the commitment to renewable energy,” said Dr. Martin Heming, Chairman of SCHOTT Solar AG.

SCHOTT Solar manufacturing in the U.S. opens on May 11

Consul General Nelson also made use of his visit to Germany to become better acquainted with SCHOTT Solar’s activities in the United States and the new plant in Albuquerque, in particular. Both photovoltaic modules and receivers for solar thermal power plants will be manufactured at the new production facility in New Mexico. In reference to the new SCHOTT Solar plant, Consul General Nelson said: “President Obama declared climate protection to be a signature issue already six days after he took office. We urgently need a global energy turnaround and a clear commitment to renewable energy sources. The international projects and expansion plans of SCHOTT Solar show that a global changeover of the power supply to renewable energy sources is possible. We’re looking forward to the important investment that the company is making in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a U.S. state with strong climate protection initiatives. This project is also an excellent example of the outstanding Bavarian-American economic relations and the pioneer role Bavaria plays in the area of climate protection.”

Following the inauguration on May 11, SCHOTT Solar will commence manufacturing during phase 1 in Albuquerque with 350 employees to start with. To do so, the firm is investing approx. 100 million dollars (68 million euros) initially. Over time, the company plans to expand its operations to employ a staff of 1,500 and invest a total of 500 million dollars (338 million euros).

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Further information is available at www.schottsolar.com

Press photographs are available for downloading from www.schott-pictures.net