Ausra Chairman and CEO Dr. Robert E. Fishman and AREVA Business Group Renewable Energies Senior Executive Vice President Anil Srivastava at Ausra headquarters shaking hands after announcing the acquisition. Photo credit: Ausra
Today, France-based AREVA announced the acquisition of Ausra, a Mountain View, California-based provider of large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) solutions for electricity generation and industrial steam production. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Ausra was founded in 2006 and had 70 employees in 2009. According to Reuters, Ausra had raised $130 million in venture capital. Investors included Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, KERN Partners, Generation Investment Management, and Starfish Ventures.
This acquisition launches AREVA’s new global solar energy business and reflects AREVA’s goals to become a global leader in concentrated solar power and diversify its renewables portfolio. AREVA is currently the largest nuclear power company in the world.
AREVA's new Global Solar business unit will be operated out of Ausra’s existing Mountain View headquarters and led by Dr. Robert E. Fishman, Ausra’s Chairman and CEO.
Anil Srivastava, AREVA Business Group Renewable Energies Senior Executive Vice President, said, “By acquiring Ausra, AREVA has taken a major step forward to achieve its strategic ambition in renewables. The Group intends to become the world leader in the CSP market thanks to a reliable, cost-effective product.”
Dr. Robert E. Fishman said, “Today is about making a strong company even stronger. With AREVA, Ausra is joining forces with one of the world’s global energy leaders. Combining AREVA’s financial and commercial strengths, and its energy expertise, with Ausra’s proven technology and experienced management team will help position AREVA for even greater success in the renewable and carbon-free energy industry.”
This acquisition is expected to close in the next few months, subject to customary regulatory approval. For more information:
- Ausra – Home page
- AREVA – Home page
- AREVA to Acquire the U.S. Solar Company Ausra (February 8, 2010)