Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), one of the world's leading producers of solar panels, today launched the Low Carbon Concept Museum at Suntech Headquarters. Al Gore, Chairman of the Alliance for Climate Protection, former Vice President of the United States, and a world-renowned environmental advocate, was on hand to commemorate the event.
"I am honored to be here with my friend, Dr. Shi, for the launch of the Low Carbon Concept Museum," said Al Gore following the launch ceremony. "The climate crisis can be solved but only with the rapid deployment of technologies in China, the United States and around the world that reduce the pollution that causes global warming."
The Suntech Low Carbon Concept Museum provides an educational introduction to our world's energy and environmental challenges, particularly climate change. Examining the age-old relationship between energy and human civilization, from the creation of fire to the development of solar technology, the interactive exhibition serves as an open platform for the local community and school children to learn about the impacts of carbon-based energy production on our planet. Underneath the world's largest solar facade, comprised of more than 2,600 semi-transparent Light Thru(TM) solar panels, the sunlit lobby of Suntech Headquarters presents an ideal venue for exploring the world's energy and environmental future.
"We are inspired by Al Gore's continued leadership in driving global awareness about the costs and dangers of fossil fuel energy production - most importantly, climate change," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Founder, Chairman and CEO, in a speech at the launch event. "Suntech stands in solidarity with all those working around the world to create a green future for our children. That process begins with education."
Suntech is committed to promoting global energy and environmental education to foster the next generation of social leaders and solar scientists. Over the last year, Suntech donated 200 sets of solar testing and engineering equipment for schools across China; provided a basic education scholarship fund and solar systems for three remote schools in Tibet; donated a 3kW solar system to a rural school in Morogoro, Tanzania; and subsidized a 10kW system at McNeil High School in Austin, Texas. In addition, Dr. Shi announced at the event that Shi's Family Charitable Foundation will donate solar panels to power eighteen remote schools in Lebanon in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr. Gore's participation in the launch at Suntech Headquarters highlights the global nature of contemporary energy and environmental challenges as well as the global nature of the solar industry. Suntech works with material and silicon suppliers - who similarly operate global supply and distribution networks - as well as downstream partners in dozens of countries around the world. In addition, Suntech maintains manufacturing, production and/or R&D operations in China, Japan, Germany, Australia and the U.S., with its new module production facility in Goodyear, Arizona, scheduled to come online later this year.
"Humanity faces a global threat that demands global solutions. Although we must not underestimate the severity of this crisis, or the work that lies ahead, there is reason for optimism," added Dr. Zhengrong Shi. "With our partners around the world, we are providing everyone with reliable access to nature's cleanest and most abundant energy source."