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                   NTR plc - a leading international developer and operator 
                    in renewable energy and sustainable waste management - has 
                    announced an agreement to invest $100 million (�63 million) 
                    for a controlling interest in Stirling Energy Systems, 
                    Inc. (SES) - a Phoenix, Arizona-based developer of utility-scale 
                    solar-powered electricity generation plants.  
                  SES is developing two of the world�s largest solar generating 
                    projects in the Imperial Valley and Mojave Desert to bring 
                    clean, renewable power to Southern California. The investment 
                    by NTR will provide SES with the financial and commercial 
                    expertise to deliver these projects. Combined, the two projects 
                    will initially produce 800 megawatts (MW) of power and up 
                    to 1,750 MW with contract extensions, when the plants are 
                    fully constructed. 
                  �This is a very exciting investment for NTR� - said Jim Barry, 
                    Group Chief Executive of NTR plc. �In SES, we have a business 
                    with high growth potential and a leading cost position in 
                    the fast-growing CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) sector. SES�s 
                    established presence in California places it at the forefront 
                    of solar technology development. 
                  �The investment supports NTR�s strategy and our commitment 
                    to continued investment in renewable energy businesses with 
                    strong future growth potential� - he added. �Following the 
                    success achieved with Airtricity, we have been actively pursuing 
                    such investment opportunities. SES is a particularly attractive 
                    business opportunity, with very significant future development 
                    potential.�  
                  SES has long-term, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA�s) with 
                    two of California�s leading utilities - San Diego Gas & Electric 
                    (SDG&E;) and Southern California Edison (SCE). In addition, 
                    SES has also secured grid connection rights for the power 
                    production at the two facilities.  
                  
                    
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                      SES is the innovator of the 
                        highly efficient concentrating solar energy technology 
                        called the SunCatcher. 
                         
                        The SunCatcher combines a mirrored concentrator 
                        dish with a high-efficiency Stirling engine - especially 
                        designed to convert reflected sunlight to electricity. | 
                     
                   
                  The technology has been in testing for several years at the 
                    US Department of Energy�s Sandia National Laboratories in 
                    Albuquerque, New Mexico.  
                  �SES is now poised to move to the next stage in its commercialisation 
                    plan� - said SES President and Chief Executive, Bruce Osborn. 
                    �The investment by NTR will give SES access to the development, 
                    commercial and financial expertise required to commercialise 
                    the SunCatcher. NTR�s experience and proven commercial 
                    track record in the renewables sector make it an ideal partner 
                    for SES.� 
                  For more information on NTR - 
                    Click Here 
                  For more information on SES - Click 
                    Here 
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