Biomass: AREVA invests in bio-coal

Paris, France (ots) - The AREVA group, a major player in renewable
energies, has announced the acquisition of a technology enabling the
production of bio-coal. Based on the Thermya* torrefaction process,
this unique technology, currently being deployed commercially,
produces plant fuel from biomass which can replace fossil coal used
in the production of thermal energy and electricity.

This operation enables AREVA to consolidate its position as a
solutions provider for energy with less CO2. It is in line with the
group's strategy to broaden its offer in the field of renewable
energies by placing a stronger emphasis on technology. Based in the
southwest of France, a team of around twenty people already forms
part of this activity.

Luc Oursel, President and CEO of AREVA, declared: "This
acquisition strengthens our position in the field of renewable
energies, and establishes AREVA on the global bio-coal market, which
has considerable potential. Thanks to the acquisition of this unique
torrefaction technology, and on the strength of its subsidiary AREVA
Bioenergy 35 years of experience, the group is particularly
well-placed to capture a significant share of the bio-coal market."
As an industrial pioneer in the field of bioenergy, AREVA is the
leader on the market for turnkey biomass plants and has played a role
in the installation of more than 5 000 MW of electric power
worldwide.

* The torrefaction (or depolymerization) of biomass is a
thermo-chemical process aiming to eliminate water and alter part of
the organic matter of biomass to break down its fibers. Torrefied
biomass (or bio-coal) offers a number of benefits, including high
energy density, hydrophobia, and increased grindability.

MORE ABOUT

AREVA supplies solutions for power generation with less carbon.
Its expertise and unwavering insistence on safety, security,
transparency and ethics are setting the standard, and its responsible
development is anchored in a process of continuous improvement.

Ranked first in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA's unique
integrated offering to utilities covers every stage of the fuel
cycle, nuclear reactor design and construction, and related services.
The group is also expanding its operations to renewable energies -
wind, solar, bioenergies, hydrogen and storage - to be one of the
leaders in this sector worldwide.

With these two major offers, AREVA's 48,000 employees are helping
to supply ever safer, cleaner and more economical energy to the
greatest number of people.

Contact:
Press Office
Patricia Marie
Pauline Briand
Maxime Michaut
Jérôme Rosso
T: +33 (0) 1 34 96 12 15
F: +33 (0) 1 34 96 16 54
press@areva.com