EnviTec Biogas and BKN biostrom form joint venture

Construction and operation of own biogas plants − well-filled project pipeline

Lohne, 20 May 2010 – EnviTec Biogas AG (ISIN: DE000A0MVLS8) and BKN biostrom AG have announced the foundation of a shared holding company, ETBKN GmbH & Co. KG, for the construction and operation of biogas plants, with EnviTec Biogas taking a majority stake. Both companies can draw on long-standing experience in the biogas market and will each contribute their specific strengths to the joint venture. While EnviTec Biogas’ contribution will centre on its sound technological expertise and its proprietary plant technology, BKN biostrom will bring to bear its experience in project development and the operation of biogas plants. The new company will be launched with a well-filled project pipeline and the first plants are to be built during the current year. The general objective is to strengthen the role of biogas in decentralised energy supply and the shortterm target for the joint venture is to install and operate a portfolio of plants with a rated output of more than 15 megawatt. The commissioned plants will continue to be owned by ETBKN GmbH & Co KG and generate sustainable earnings for both partners. In the context of the foundation of the joint venture, EnviTec Biogas will transfer orders worth approximately EUR 14.5 million from the current order book to the Own Plant Operation segment in the second quarter of 2010. This segment groups the company’s electricity, heat and gas production through its own plants.

“Having previously worked with BKN biostrom only on a project-by-project basis, we are happy to see our cooperation turn into a partnership for the long term,” said Olaf von Lehmden, CEO of EnviTec Biogas, adding: “We see major potential particularly in the refinement of biogas to natural gas standards as well as the decentralised use of biogas through local supply networks and we want to tap into this potential through our joint venture”.

Decentralised use of biogas means that the biogas generated by a plant is not converted into electricity on-site but is fed into a local “micro gas grid” supplying several cogeneration plants in the local area. “In contrast to other forms of renewable energy, biogas can deliver baseload capability, meaning that it can ensure ongoing and dependable energy supply,” explains Günter Schlotmann, CEO of BKN biostrom. “This is why our joint venture is not confined to the construction of biogas plants but will also provide for joint operation of the commissioned plants, highlighting both partners’ status as energy suppliers.”

About EnviTec Biogas AG
EnviTec Biogas AG covers the entire value chain for the production of biogas - including the planning and turnkey construction of biogas plants as well as their commissioning. The company provides the biological and technical service and also offers the full plant and operating management. In Güstrow, in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, EnviTec Biogas built the world’s largest plant for the production of biogas to natural gas standards with a thermal output of 55 megawatts. In addition, the company also operates its own biogas plants. Today, the company is represented in 15 countries throughout Europe and in India. In 2009 EnviTec Biogas generated revenues of EUR 120 million and an EBIT of EUR - 0,5 million. The EnviTec Group currently has 385 employees. Since July 2007 EnviTec is listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Investor Relations:
Olaf Brandes
EnviTec Biogas AG
Tel: +49 44 42 80 65 118
E-Mail: ir@envitec-biogas.de

Press Contact:
Britta Cirkel, Christina Siebels
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 36 90 50- 56 /-58
E-Mail: b.cirkel@hoschke.de; c.siebels@hoschke.de

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