Governor Jan Brewer and City of Surprise Welcome Rioglass Solar to Arizona

Manufacturer Key Provider for Solana Generating Station

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer joined Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt today in announcing Spanish solar manufacturer Rioglass Solar will locate to the city and create jobs for Arizonans. Rioglass Solar produces curved glass sheets used in thermo electrical power stations for parabolic concentrators – a popular, cost effective solar technology used in planned Arizona solar power generating plants such as Abengoa Solar’s Solana Generating Station.

“Rioglass Solar adds to the significant progress Arizona is making to become a global leader in the renewable energy sector, and creating quality, stable jobs that will help advance and diversify our state's economy," said Governor Brewer. "Arizona is a strategic location with a highly skilled workforce, low payroll taxes, and the right incentive programs to make business sense. I am pleased to welcome Rioglass Solar to Arizona, and commend the company for choosing our great State as the site for its solar manufacturing
operation."

Rioglass Solar will locate in the City of Surprise and create 100 jobs.

“Today Surprise steps into the sunlight as a solar industry leader,” said Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt. “We are committed to working with our regional partners and the governor to continue creating sustainable jobs and building the solar industry in Surprise. On this historic day, we welcome Rioglass Solar to our community.”

“We are excited to be in Surprise. Its excellent workforce and rail-served land is the perfect fit for our new U.S. operations,” said Rioglass Solar President and CEO José Maria Villanueva. “We want to be part of the future of solar energy in Arizona and in Surprise.”

Villanueva thanked Surprise, Governor Brewer, the Arizona Commerce Authority and GPEC for facilitating the Rioglass Solar decision to locate in Surprise.

Rioglass Solar joins the growing number of solar manufacturers building the capacity of industry in the state. This month, Business Facilities, a national publication and leading location advisor for site selection professionals, named Arizona the “solar king” with its number one ranking for both solar energy manufacturing and the state’s alternative energy industry.

“We have become an established leader in an industry that just a year ago overlooked us,” said Michael Bidwill, GPEC chairman and Arizona Cardinals president. “That shows the power of smart economic policy. The Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program
Governor Brewer signed last year opened the door to global leaders such as Suntech Power and now Rioglass Solar. This is a proud moment for Arizona.”

The Solana Generating Station is a solar electric power plant that will be located about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix near Gila Bend, Arizona. Solana will use concentrating solar power (CSP) technology coupled with the ability to store energy during non-sunlight hours, to better meet Arizona resident's peak demand. APS will purchase 100 percent of the power output.

“We are supportive of projects that help create a more sustainable energy future,” said APS President and Chief Operating Officer Don Robinson. “Rioglass Solar’s decision to locate in Arizona is a positive sign for the outlook of solar energy and economic development in this state. I commend everyone who helped make Rioglass Solar’s commitment to Surprise a reality.”

“Arizona’s solar industry is becoming an economic force of great significance that will diversify our economy, grow green jobs, and better the environment for the citizens of this great State,” added Governor Brewer.

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