Multi-million euro contract to supply more than 50,000 rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs to power BrightSources heliostats and optical concentrating devices for 121 MW Ashalim Thermal Solar Power Station in Israel ---New contract reflects the quality and competitiveness of Tadirans rechargeable lithium-ion technology which is designed to operate for 25 years in harsh environments

PARIS--Tadiran Batteries, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saft Group and a leader in the development of lithium batteries for industrial use, has been awarded a contract by Oakland USA based BrightSource Energy Inc., a leading US concentrating solar power technology (CSP) company. Under this contract Tadiran will provide rechargeable energy packs to power more than 50,000 controllable mirrors - called heliostats being deployed at the Ashalim Thermal Solar Power Station, located in the Israeli desert and that will be constructed by Alstom.

BrightSource Energys proven technology produces electricity the same way as fossil fuel power plants - by creating high-temperature steam to turn a conventional turbine. However, instead of using fossil fuels to create the steam, BrightSource uses the sun. Thousands of individually-controlled heliostats track the sun and reflect sunlight onto a boiler that sits atop a tower. When the concentrated sunlight strikes the solar receiver, it creates superheated steam which is used to turn a turbine and generate electricity. The Ashalim station will have a total power generating capacity of 121 MW, enough to meet the electricity needs of more than 120,000 homes.

During the day Tadirans rechargeable energy packs will drive the heliostat motors and power device communications. The rechargeable batteries help eliminate expensive cabling and wiring that would otherwise be required to power the heliostat motors and control modules.

Tadiran Batteries proven TLI series based rechargeable batteries will enable at least 25 years of day and night continuous operation. Designed specifically for harsh environments, the TLI Series represents major progress in rechargeable battery technology that meets the strict requirements of long term use under rough desert conditions.

Igal Carmi, President and CEO at Tadiran Batteries, commented: "We are proud to have been selected by BrightSource Energy to supply our state-of-the-art range of rechargeable lithium-ion battery systems for this innovative project. Awarded by a new client in a new sub-segment of energy harvesting, this order represents a significant commercial breakthrough for Tadiran and highlights the recognition by the industry for the excellence of its batteries".

About Tadiran Batteries Ltd.
Tadiran is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of primary and rechargeable lithium batteries for industrial use. Designed specifically for long-term use in harsh environments, Tadirans TLI series batteries represent an important breakthrough in rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology and are used in applications such as: industrial meters, automotive, medical instrumentation, asset tracking, energy harvesting and wireless sensors. The Tadiran group of companies represents more than 450 employees based in Israel, Germany and the US. Tadiran Batteries Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saft Groupe SA.
www.tadiran.com

About Saft Groupe SA
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the worlds leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Groups growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com