TUUSSO Energy Secures Funding for Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Company closes Series A financing for the development of solar power plants, to
help utilities meet rapidly growing demand for renewable energy.
SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--
Seattle-based TUUSSO Energy recently completed a $2 million financing round to
fund early-stage development of utility-scale solar projects in the Western
United States. Pivotal Investments, a clean technology focused venture capital
firm based in Portland, Ore., led the investment round. Pivotal`s investment
comes alongside an existing partnership with Akula Energy Ventures, which will
be co-investing directly in TUUSSO's development projects.

"This financing is a big step forward and accelerates the rate at which we can
turn pipeline projects into active projects," said Owen Hurd, President of
TUUSSO Energy. "The timing couldn`t be better - it allows us to act on
opportunities created by the recent economic downturn, at a time when banks and
utilities are more sensitive than ever to the financial health of their
partners. Pivotal's involvement will also open up new opportunities, through
their industry expertise and pre-existing relationships with institutional
lenders and tax investors."

"We are excited about the investment in TUUSSO for many reasons," explained John
Miner, Managing Director, Pivotal Investments. "We really like the opportunity
to invest with such a smart and promising team. This investment also allows us
to take advantage of two significant trends - decreasing costs for solar
technology and a rapidly growing demand for renewable energy. We think the
investment in TUUSSO provides an excellent way for our investors to take
advantage of these trends," Miner said.

TUUSSO's first project, TA-High Desert, is scheduled for completion in early
2011 and will supply 20MW of solar-generated power to Californian utilities.

About TUUSSO Energy

TUUSSO Energy, LLC is a developer of utility-scale solar power plants. The
company`s principal business is developing power plants to provide renewable
energy for Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs). The company`s nimble development
team consists of professionals who bring a combination of legal, financial, and
engineering experience critical to such energy projects.

About Pivotal Investments

Pivotal Investments is a Portland, Ore. venture capital firm investing in
companies, primarily in the Northwest, that are delivering solutions in the
rapidly growing markets for clean energy, clean water, green materials,
sustainable agriculture, and clean air. Pivotal`s investment team is a unique
combination of investors and experienced entrepreneurs committed to delivering
superior financial returns by building great companies that will be leaders in
the sustainable economy.

About Akula Energy Ventures

Akula Energy Ventures, LLC (AEV) is an investment company focused on developing
renewable energy projects around the world. AEV invests in early-stage projects
across the renewable energy spectrum, including solar, hydroelectricity and
biofuels. AEV`s experience includes developing natural gas based power plants
and coal preparation plants in India. AEV has recently targeted investments and
partnerships in the Northwest region of the United States and the Central West
region of India.

TUUSSO Energy
Owen Hurd, President, +1 206-229-1169
owen.hurd@tuusso.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009