First Solar and EDF Energies Nouvelles just announced that they are in the end stages of talks with the French town of Blanquefort regarding the construction of a new solar panel manufacturing facility. The two companies plan to finance the plant together, then First Solar will manage the plant operations and sell the solar panels produced to EDF for 10 years. When it’s finished in 2012, the plant will produce more than 100 MW worth of solar panels each year.
In a press release, Rob Gillette, Chief Executive Officer of First Solar, commented on the company’s plans:
“Blanquefort is the ideal location for our second manufacturing facility in Europe and producing there will bring us closer to the French solar market, which we believe has the potential to become one of Europe’s brightest. We look forward to deepening our relationship with France. Aquitaine has impressed us with its passion, excellent infrastructure and highly skilled workforce.”