Re Joint Venture

RNS Number : 3017X

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain

12 August 2009

August 12, 2009

Saint-Gobain steps up its growth in renewable energy
with an increased participation in Avancis

As part of its development strategy for solar energy, Saint-Gobain is acquiring Shell's share of Avancis, a joint venture between the two companies.

Avancis has developed highly competitive technology for thin-film CIS (Copper, Indium and Selenide) to manufacture photovoltaic modules. With an annual capacity of 20 megawatts, the company's first plant is already operating in Torgau, Germany. This extremely promising technology necessitates expertise in glass coating and in glass thermal treatment, two processes belonging to the core portfolio of Saint-Gobain, a worldwide leader in flat glass for the building and automotive industries.

Saint-Gobain intends to accelerate the industrial development of Avancis.

Saint-Gobain provides a vast range of products and services in solar energy via Saint-Gobain Solar, its new entity which groups all of Saint-Gobain's solar businesses. Present across the whole value chain, Saint-Gobain Solar's strategy hinges on three independent activities:

The making and selling of high-tech components for PV modules (special glass, performance plastics, etc.) and high-performance mirrors for solar thermal plant operators.
The production by its Avancis company of thin-film PV modules using CIS (Copper, Indium, Selenide) technology, for distributors and integrators.
The design and marketing of PV solutions for residential homes, offices, industrial installations and farm buildings.