First Solar President Bruce Sohn and Mayor Yun Guangzhong of the Ordos City Government signed the Cooperation Framework Agreement in the presence of Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Minister Liu Qi of the National Energy Administration, and US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. The Agreement between First Solar and Ordos spells out additional project details and local support that advance the development of the 2 GW solar power plant and confirm the 1 June 2010 expected construction start date for the 30 MW Phase 1.
“This Cooperation Framework Agreement and its recognition by the National Energy Administration mark a critical step forward in the approval process for the Ordos project, one of the world’s most ambitious renewable energy projects,” said First Solar Chief Executive Officer Rob Gillette. “It reinforces the commitment of First Solar, the Chinese government, and the Ordos local government to make an immediate contribution to the development of a healthy solar industry in China and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”
The 2 GW First Solar project is to be built in multiple phases, beginning with the 30 MW Phase 1. Phases 2, 3 and 4 are to be 100 MW, 870 MW, and 1,000 MW, respectively. Phases 2 and 3 are to be completed by 2014 and Phase 4 is to be completed by 2019. The project is part of a planned 11.95 GW New Energy Industry Demonstration Zone in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. The New Energy Industry Demonstration Zone is expected to combine solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass power sources to provide a steady supply of renewable energy to the region that includes the Chinese capital.
“Solar energy will play a significant role in achieving China’s low carbon future,” said Yun Guangzhong, Mayor of Ordos City. “We are very pleased to be partnering with one of the solar industry’s global leaders in a project of such significance.”
The signing ceremony took place as part of the US-China Summit where US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao met to discuss upcoming global climate change negotiations and clean energy, among other topics. “President Obama’s trip to Beijing is a significant step forward in further solidifying bilateral relations with China. First Solar is enthusiastic in contributing to the commercial relations of our two countries through this Cooperative Framework Agreement,” said Mr. Gillette.
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