A reva, the giant French nuclear company, has bought Ausra, a small manufacturer of solar thermal systems that can be used for electricity production or industrial steam. [6]

French nuclear company Areva has just taken its first step into the solar market with the acquisition of Ausra, a Mountain View, Calif.-based maker of solar thermal equipment. [5]

The acquisition will expand Areva's business interests in renewable energy, which already include biomass-based power and development of offshore wind, according to a representative. [7]

PARIS, Feb. 8 PRNewswire/ -- AREVA announced today the 100% acquisition of U.S.-based Ausra, a leading provider of large-scale concentrated solar power solutions for electricity generation and industrial steam production. [2]

The deal effectively launches Areva's first foray into the often volatile solar energy business, which has been hampered recently by the credit squeeze and the high cost of financing utility scale projects. [4]

French state-controlled nuclear power developer Areva (CEPFi.PA) said today it is planning to acquire Mountain View, Calif.-based solar thermal developer Ausra, which would signal the launch of its new global solar energy business. The acquisition is expected to close in the next few months, subject to regulatory approval, though financial details were not disclosed. [1]