BTU International Receives $5.5 Million in Solar Orders

BTU International (Nasdaq: BTUI), a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes to the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets, today announced it received approximately $5.5 million in orders from Asia/Pacific customers for BTU solar processing equipment. The majority of the equipment will be used for contact formation in a new high efficiency process for the manufacture of silicon solar cells. The balance of the ordered equipment consists of current-generation metallization systems. Revenue recognition for these orders is expected during the first half of 2010.

“We are very pleased with these wins for our solar business,” said Paul van der Wansem, chairman and CEO of BTU International. “Over the past two years BTU has made significant investments in the development of new solar products, and we are encouraged by these orders.”

Day4 Energy Gains Australian Patent Approval for Proprietary Solar Electric Technology

Additional Intellectual Property Protection Supports Day4 Energy's Global Expansion

Day4 Energy Inc. (TSX: DFE.TO), a leading manufacturer of high performance, cost-effective solar electric modules, today announced that the Australian Patent Office has approved the application to award the company a patent for its core Day4 Electrode(R) solar technology. The Australian patent approval adds to existing intellectual property protection the company holds in key global markets including Canada, United States, European Union, India, Mexico and China.

Australia's solar energy industry has seen tremendous growth in the last 18 months, with installations of photovoltaic systems increasing by 80 percent in 2008 over the previous year. In June of this year the government announced the creation of 'Solar Credits', a program designed to broaden the availability of solar technology to all homes in the country.

AMG affiliate Timminco increases silicon metal production

Amsterdam, 16 October 2009 --- AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.'s ("AMG", EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: "AMG") 47.9% owned affiliate, Timminco Limited ("Timminco"; TSX: TIM) will restart the third of its three electric arc furnaces at its Becancour Silicon facilities in Quebec, Canada. The increase in production responds to additional purchase commitments from silicon metal customers. The resumption will result in the recall of a portion of the unionized workforce which was temporarily laid off earlier in the year.

Hoku and Tianwei Announce Financing Agreement

Company to Resume Accelerated Construction of Polysilicon Plant

Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOKU), a diversified, clean energy company with headquarters in Honolulu, and Tianwei New Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., a leading provider of silicon wafers, photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules and systems, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for a majority investment in Hoku by Tianwei and debt financing by Tianwei and China Construction Bank for the construction and development of Hoku's polysilicon production facility in Pocatello, Idaho.

The transaction will involve the conversion of $50 million of an aggregate of $79 million in secured prepayments previously paid by Tianwei to Hoku under certain polysilicon supply agreements into shares of Hoku's common stock and related warrants, plus the provision of $50 million in initial debt financing for Hoku, together with a commitment from Tianwei to assist Hoku in obtaining additional financing that may be required by Hoku to construct and operate the Pocatello facility.