Saft and Acciona Energia Join Forces to Offer Improved Stability, Power Management and Grid Connection for Photovoltaic Plant in Spain

PARIS, July 28, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Containerized Lithium-ion Energy Storage Battery Marks Major Step in Viability of Renewable Energy Sources

Saft has announced a three-year deal to work with Spain's Acciona Energia SA as part of a Eurogia+ labelled project aimed at improving the viability of photovoltaic and other renewable energy source power plants. The project will demonstrate the technical and financial benefits of using a containerized energy storage, conversion and management system to provide grid ancillary services as well as power management to help smooth the plant output.

As part of the initial project at a photovoltaic (PV) plant in Tudela, Spain, Saft will develop a modular lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system to be housed inside a six-meter container designed for industrial applications. The container includes active temperature control systems and a fire suppression system. The long-life Li-ion battery offers very high energy-efficiency, no battery maintenance and an easy way to measure the battery state of charge even while in use.

The project also seeks to integrate PV plants within the grid as conventional power plants by means of new control systems to be developed by Acciona Energia, including test of new PV technologies, with a final aim of reducing the Cost of Energy (LCOE) and providing additional services such as ancillary services, improving grid stability and back up power security.

"With the ever increasing contribution of renewables in our electricity mix, it is of crucial importance to improve the electrical behaviour of renewable power plants The decision to work with Saft on this project was a natural one", said Miguel Arraras, Solar PV Development Director Acciona Energia. "In addition to their batteries high energy-efficiency and reliability, their containerized solution is ideal when it comes to addressing environmental constraints of field deployment. Saft's knowledge of designing, manufacturing and controlling large energy storage systems means it will be a key contributor to the partnership."

As part of the system, Saft will be able to offer the customer 1.1MW power at up to 1,000V. Each container is easily scalable and will interface with existing power conversion devices.

"We are delighted to be working with Acciona on this groundbreaking project," said Francois Bouchon, Director of the Energy Storage Business Unit, Saft. "We believe the introduction of containerized energy storage makes photovoltaic and other renewable energy source plants an increasingly attractive option for the future. The ability to address issues around reliability, stability and power management is a huge step for the power industry in its efforts to integrate ecological concerns."

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.

For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com

About Acciona Energia

ACCIONA Energia is a global operator in clean energies with over 20 years' experience in the sector and a strong presence in seven renewable technologies. It has installed almost 9,000 MW for electricity production in 14 countries, of which 7,337 MW are owned by the company. It has 213 wind parks (6,230 MW); 80 hydropower plants (911 MW); CSP and photovoltaic plants that are among the biggest installed in the world, and biomass plants. It produces wind turbines using proprietary technology and owns and operates biodiesel and bioethanol plants. It develops projects for third parties, produces and markets power generated from renewables and provides a wide range of services to customers based on a firm commitment to innovation.

It belongs to the ACCIONA Group, one of the biggest Spanish corporations that operates in infrastructures, energy, water and services in more than 30 countries, Its motto "Pioneers in development and sustainability" reflects its commitment, in all its activities, to contribute to economic growth, social progress and the protection of the environment. ACCIONA leads its sector on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, has a workforce worldwide of more than 30,000 and earned revenues of 6,512 million euros in 2009. ACCIONA is quoted on the IBEX-35 selective index of the Spanish stock market (ANA.MC). For more information, visit http://www.acciona.es

    Press contact:

    SAFT
    Jill Ledger, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Director
    Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-77, [email protected]

    FINANCIAL DYNAMICS
    Stephanie BIA, Tel: +33-1-47-03-68-16, [email protected]
    Yannick DUVERGE, Tel: +33-1-47-03-68-10, [email protected]
    Clement BENETREAU, Tel: +33-1-47-03-68-12, [email protected]

    Andrew Bartlett, Six Degrees, Tel: + 44(0)1628-480280
    e-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Saft