Doha, Qatar, 3 December 2012

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) and SolarWorld AG are presenting the electric super car, Tesla Roadster, with SolarWorld's innovative solar energy technology, at the Qatar Sustainability Expo, currently taking place at the Doha Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP18) in Qatar.

For the first time in the Middle East, thousands of visitors will be able to view and learn more about the emission-free electric car, which can accelerate from 0 to 100 in just 3.6 seconds and travel up to 300 kilometres per charge. Fuelled by electricity generated from the sun, the super car provides a carbon dioxide-free means of transportation. The adjoining SolarWorld SunCarport supplies solar power to charge the car's batteries, allowing it to offer 'supercar performance without supercar emissions'. Furthermore, the SunCarport can be configured to supply solar power for a wide range of solar solutions for homes and businesses.

 "We are proud to bring the Tesla electric car and the SunCarport solar energy system, in conjunction with our partners SolarWorld AG, to the Qatar Sustainability Expo," said Dr Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, Chairman and CEO of QSTec.

"We are here today to send a clear message to the world that solar energy is playing a major role in our global sustainable future. By showcasing interesting solar solutions and applications to our community, we hope to inspire and encourage our young scientists and entrepreneurs to explore new uses for solar energy. The Tesla Roadster being powered by SolarWorld's SunCarport, are excellent examples of sustainable innovation, and the new technologies that are making such a positive impact on our society and environment," he added.

The Qatar Sustainability Expo, which is taking from the 26 November to 7 December, provides a platform for the display of an array of environmentally-friendly products and initiatives, from energy saving technologies to recyclable objects.

QSTec will be producing polysilicon, the key ingredient in the world's most efficient solar technologies, like the ones used in the SolarWorld SunCarport. With this goal in mind, the company is building a polysilicon production plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City that will initially produce 8,000 metric tons  (MTPY) of polysilicon per year.

Built on 1.2 million square metres of land, the plant can expand polysilicon capacity to 45,000 MTPY and has been designed to seamlessly incorporate ingots, wafers, cell and module manufacturing facilities.

The company is a joint venture between Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, SolarWorld AG, and the Qatar Development Bank.

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About Qatar Solar Technologies:
Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec), with a vision to become a world leading integrated solar energy company is a joint venture formed between Qatar Solar (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development), SolarWorld AG and Qatar Development Bank. QSTec's US$1Bn polysilicon manufacturing plant, located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, will initially produce 8,000 MTPA polysilicon for use in the solar industry before vertically integrating along the solar value chain. QSTec's has acquired the advanced second generation technology for solar grade polysilicon production from Centrotherm Photovoltaics of Germany.

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has already been internationally recognised as a solar leader within the region. In December 2011 QSTec was awarded the New Economy Magazine's Clean Tech and New Energy Award for Best Joint Venture (Middle East/Africa) at a ceremony at the London Stock Exchange.

For more information please contact:
Craig Field
Corporate Communications Specialist
Qatar Solar Technologies
Email:  cfield@qf.org.qa
Phone:  +974 4454 6668
www.qstec.com

© Press Release 2012