Solalban Energia S.A. Purchases Two FT8(R) SWIFTPAC(R) Gas Turbines

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., May. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, a United Technologies Corp. company, signed an agreement with Solalban Energia S.A., a joint venture between Albanesi S.A. and Solvay-Indupa of Argentina, for two 60-megawatt FT8 SWIFTPAC units to be located in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Solalban Energia S.A. expects to run the two units at base load to provide power to Solvay-Indupa's chemical plant in Bahia Blanca and to the Argentinean electrical grid beginning in the first quarter of 2009.

"The FT8 was selected for its flexibility and ability to meet our power and growth requirements," said Armando Loson and Augusto Di Donfrancesco, chief executive officers of Albanesi S.A. and Solvay -Indupa, respectively.

"We are very pleased with Solalban's decision and look forward to developing a strong, long-term relationship with our newest partner as we support their power needs," said Peter Christman, president, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems. "The sale represents the continued success of the FT8 SWIFTPAC product line in Latin America and shows we are well positioned to take advantage of the growing power needs in the region."

The FT8 series is a derivative of Pratt & Whitney's JT8D aircraft engine, one of the most successful in aviation history. The FT8 gas turbine leverages the experience of the JT8D while incorporating updated technologies to produce power with less noise, lower emissions and higher base-load and part-load efficiency using natural gas fuel. The FT8 has been in production since 1991 and operates at more than 70 customer sites around the world.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

Jennifer Whitlow Suzanne Child Pratt & Whitney P&W Power Systems Tel: 860.565.9600 Tel: 860.557.0809 jennifer.whitlow@pw.utc.com suzanne.child@pw.utc.com