Solar Power Company Ausra Launches First Solar Thermal Plant in California in Nearly 20 Years

Governor Schwarzenegger on Hand as Next Generation Solar Technology Provides Power and Industrial Steam on Cost-Competitive Basis

Bakersfield, CA—October 23, 2008—Ausra, Inc. (http://www.ausra.com) and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today launched the company's Kimberlina Solar Thermal Energy Plant in Bakersfield, CA, showcasing the company's "next generation" concentrating solar thermal technology.

Governor Schwarzenegger joined Ausra President, CEO and Chairman Bob Fishman, U.S. Reps. Jim Costa (CA-20) and Kevin McCarthy (CA-22), California Assemblymember Jean Fuller and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) CEO Peter Darbee in launching a new era of solar thermal power with the turning of Ausra's large solar thermal mirrors—harvesting California sunshine and creating California jobs.

"This plant proves that our technology is real, it works, and it's ready to power businesses or provide process steam for industries—now," said Fishman. "Ausra is first on the market, providing customers a dependable, cost-effective solar thermal energy system. Some of the best investment minds in the country have backed our technology and our management team's ability to deliver."

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