On October 30, 2010, Kaneka Corporation, a leading thin-film silicon photovoltaic modules manufacturer in Japan, inaugurated the installation of a 10 KW thin-film amorphous silicon PV module at the New Energy Oasis (NEO) of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The system consists of 140 PV modules, half of which includes a surface treated with a special coating to protect it against sand storms, and it is being connected to the grid. The performance of PV modules will be evaluated under extremely high temperature conditions and the influence of sand storms on PV modules. Measurement is expected to continue over a period of years under Saudi Arabian climate conditions.

Dr. Raed Bkayrat, Technology Advancement Group manager at KAUST, said that he is glad to see Kaneka utilize NEO to test and verify improvements to their current technology that will support their market entrance in Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Katsunobu Doro, Deputy General Manager of Kaneka Solar Energy Division, said, “We are proud of this first installation of our PV modules in Saudi Arabia. This project helps us strengthen our relationship with KAUST in the solar industry area.”

Kaneka has been a member of the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) since December 2009 and is now furthering their contribution to the development of the solar industry in Saudi Arabia.

About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement in the Kingdom that will also benefit the region and the world. KAUST is the realization of a decade-long vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. KAUST is governed by an independent, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees and supported by a generous endowment.

About Kaneka Corporation

The KANEKA Group has been the developer of leading specialist technologies in the field of polymers, fermentation, biotechnology and electronics. Such diversified technological advancement along with the fusion of these technologies has led to diversification of the Group's business beyond the chemical industry. KANEKA has been involved in Research and Development of thin film technology since 1980. They are the pioneer and leading company in this field and are supported by the Group’s accumulated knowledge. KANEKA has mainly 2 kinds of PV products: Amorphous and Hybrid PV; the Amorphous PV offers superior