Investing USD 40 Million in Innovative Technology to Manufacture SOLVAir ® Select 300 for Flue Gas Treatment

Solvay announces today that its subsidiary Solvay Chemicals, Inc. is expanding its portfolio with a new product named SOLVAir® Select 300, which is designed for air pollution control applications, in particular, the treatment of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in flue gases. The Group is planning total investments in excess of USD 40 million at its Green River (Wyoming) plant in the United States to manufacture this new sodium bicarbonate based product using a proprietary, innovative technology.

Initial production capacity for SOLVAir® Select 300 will be 125,000 tons per year. The plant is designed to be easily expanded to accommodate the anticipated growth of market demand that will result from tightening air pollution regulations. The startup of production - using a process that will improve the environmental efficiency of the Green River plant - is scheduled in 2010.

"This development is in line with the Solvay Group's commitment towards Sustainable Development, as it supports applications aimed at mitigating environmental impact of air emissions and improves the efficiency of our Green River plant," commented Christine Tahon, Managing Director of the Solvay Group's Soda Ash Strategic Business Unit. "With this product, Solvay again demonstrates that innovators in the chemical industry are best suited to provide workable solutions to some of today's most critical environmental challenges," added Christine Tahon.

SOLVAY is an international chemical and pharmaceutical Group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs more than 28,000 people in 50 countries. In 2007, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 9.6 billion, generated by its three sectors of activity: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay (NYSE Euronext: SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR) is listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange in Brussels. Details are available at www.solvay.com