January 22, 1998

MIDWEST RESEARCH, BATTELLE, BECHTEL TEAM FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY LAB CONTRACT

Midwest Research Institute (MRI), Battelle, and Bechtel announced today that they will team in the upcoming competition to operate the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado.

NREL, which MRI has managed and operated for the U.S. Department of Energy since 1977, is the nation's leading laboratory for renewable energy research. The lab's work involves developing technologies that provide reliable energy from sun, wind, plants, and other renewable sources.

MRI President and CEO John McKelvey says he is very pleased with the strong team for the recompetition of NREL's management contracts.

"MRI's highly successful record at NREL, in combination with the scientific and technology development capabilities of Battelle, and the technology deployment and commercialization strengths of Bechtel National Corp., establishes the strongest possible team for the contract competition," said McKelvey. "It will also ensure NREL's status as the nation's preeminent renewable energy research laboratory."

Battelle President and CEO Doug Olesen said Battelle's science and technology capabilities would be an asset to NREL.

"NREL is an outstanding laboratory and Battelle's research and technology strengths will bring additional value to its operations," Olesen said. "We're pleased to join with MRI and Bechtel in this effort."

Battelle is a global leader in science, technology, and laboratory management. Among its key business areas are energy, environment, national security, public health, and transportation. Battelle has 7,500 staff in more than 50 locations. Its share in the partnership is estimated to be 25 percent.

Midwest Research Institute is an internationally recognized, not-for-profit contract research organization that has provided scientific and technological solutions to industry, government, and other private and public groups for more than 50 years. Its major research areas and expertise include health, environment, and chemical and biological defense.

Bechtel National Inc. (BNI) and Bechtel Technology and Consulting (BteC) are two primary units of Bechtel's government organization. The units provide engineering, construction, and management services, as well as research and development to meet the needs of federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. BNI's wide range of services include large project management integration, maintenance and operations, design and procurement. BTeC, which has the engineering and construction industry's largest research and development organization, develops and deploys new technologies, including renewable energy systems and energy efficiency technologies.

Midwest Research Institute has managed and operated NREL since its inception as the Solar Energy Research Institute in 1977. MRI successfully competed for the original contract as well as the competition for the contract in 1982. Since then, the contract has been extended for three, 5-year periods.