EANS-News: centrotherm photovoltaics succeeds in silicon business: "First Silicon Out" in Taiwan

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Company Information

Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - August 17, 2010 - With the commissioning of
an additional major polysilicon production facility, centrotherm
photovoltaics AG is further expanding its leading market position in
Asia: the photovoltaics specialists from Blaubeuren have designed a
high-performance production facility for Taiwan PolySilicon Corp.
(TPSI). This manufacturing facility offers an annual production
capacity of 5,000 tonnes with an upgrade option to 8,000 tonnes. With
successful production start-up, TPSI is commencing the largest single
major polysilicon production facility in Taiwan. The polysilicon
quality that has already been achieved in the first production run
exceeds levels that represent the usual standards on the markets.

For this project, TPSI is relying entirely on the development,
technology and equipment know-how of centrotherm SiTec, which bundles
the centrotherm Group's silicon expertise. This centrotherm
subsidiary was responsible for the entire factory planning, and
provided the basic engineering, process know-how, and reactors and
converters that are required for polysilicon manufacturing. The vent
gas recovery system developed by centrotherm SiTec was also deployed.
This allows better exploitation of process gases, thereby
significantly cutting both manufacturing costs and energy
requirements. The environment also benefits, since harmful gases are
removed from the production process.

Following the successful conclusion of the initial production phase,
TPSI aims to grow further, and expand annual production capacity to
up to 12,000 tonnes over the coming years. It should be noted by way
of comparison that annual global solar polysilicon production volume
is currently between 100,000 and 110,000 tonnes.

"The silicon area is a complex process, and it is positioned at the
outset of the photovoltaic value-creation chain. Start-up investments
are always high", explains Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO of centrotherm
SiTec. "This is the reason why customers place even greater emphasis
on high-performance and reliable technologies that keep costs and
risks low. We are proud of the confidence that our customers invest
in us in this area, and we wish to continue to cultivate this
confidence on a daily basis." centrotherm SiTec commands a market
share of around 40 percent for the key equipment items of reactors
and converters for solar silicon manufacturing, and a still higher
market share for complete factory design.

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG centrotherm photovoltaics AG,
which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading
technology and equipment providers for the photovoltaics sector. The
company equips well-known solar companies and new sector entrants
with turnkey production lines and single equipment to manufacture
silicon, crystalline solar cells and thin film modules. As a
consequence, the Group possesses a broad and well-founded
technological basis, as well as key equipment at practically all
steps of the photovoltaics value-creation chain. centrotherm
photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance
parameters such as production capacity, efficiencies, and completion
deadlines. The Group employs over 1,300 staff members, and operates
in Europe, Asia and the USA. In the 2009 financial year, centrotherm
photovoltaics achieved revenue of EUR 509.1 million, and EBIT of
EUR 37.2 million. The company is listed in the TecDax of the
Frankfurt Securities Exchange.

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Saskia Schultz-Ebert

Senior Manager Investor Relations

Tel: +49 7344 918-8890

E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de

Dr. Torsten Knödler

Manager Public Relations

Tel: +49 7344 918-8898

E-mail: torsten.knoedler@centrotherm.de

Christina Siebels, Britta Cirkel

HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH

Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-56,

E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; b.cirkel@hoschke.de

Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Index: TecDAX
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Berlin / free trade
Hamburg / free trade
Stuttgart / free trade
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München / free trade