Outokumpu stainless steel supports the producti...

PRESS RELEASE
29 February 2012 at 10.00 am EET

Outokumpu delivers 650 tonnes of stainless steel quarto plates for the construction of a hot nitrate salt storage tank used at the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy power plant located in Tonapah, Nevada, USA. The salt storage tank is part of heat storage system which allows energy to be stored for 10-15 hours. The technology enables the solar plant to operate without interruptions and thus contributes to making solar energy commercially feasible.

The quarto plates made out of heat resistant stainless steel grade 347H are delivered to Felguera IHI who is responsible for the fabrication all the way to commissioning of salt storage system to the new solar power plant. The plates are produced in Outokumpu quarto plate unit in Degerfors, Sweden.

The hot service environment of 600 degrees Celsius in this salt storage tank sets high requirements on the material selection. Outokumpu was chosen due to technical expertise and the heat resistant grade specified offers high corrosion resistance and ability to handle elevated temperatures.

"Solar energy is increasing in importance as a renewable energy source due to technological advancements. We hope this case increases the awareness of the use and benefits of stainless steel in the area of solar energy production", says Erik Johansson from Outokumpu.

The Crescent Dunes Solar Energy power plant, belonging to Solar Reserves, is the first commercial scale solar power facility in the USA and upon completion also the largest of its kind in the world providing a renewable energy source to some 75 000 households. The project is estimated to complete in 15 months.

For further information, please contact

Erik Johansson, Sales manager, Outokumpu S.A., phone [phone], mobile [phone]

OUTOKUMPU OYJ

Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel with the vision to be the undisputed number one. Customers in a wide range of industries use our stainless steel and services worldwide. Being fully recyclable, maintenance-free, as well as very strong and durable material, stainless steel is one of the key building blocks for sustainable future. Outokumpu employs some 8 000 people in more than 30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland. Outokumpu is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.outokumpu.com

ENG Solar power salt storage tanks

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