March 23, 2010—Press Release

GE to Increase Availability of Global Wireless Network Coverage with New Backup Power System

Company Unveils Durathon™ Next Generation Base Station Battery for Telecom Applications

Las Vegas, Nevada (March 23, 2010) – GE Energy Storage Technologies, a unit of GE Transportation, introduced the Durathon™ battery, the next generation of industrial energy storage for the telecom industry, today at the CTIA Wireless exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Durathon battery can be used as a backup system for hybrid telecom sites where non-grid sources of power are utilized, as well as in traditional base stations that are powered by robust and/or unstable electrical grids.

Because of its proprietary chemistry, the Durathon battery lasts up to ten times longer than traditional telecom backup storage systems, which reduces the total cost of ownership and ensures network efficiency and optimization for wireless providers. The product of a $160 million investment by GE, the Durathon battery is also temperature insensitive, allowing for coverage in remote areas with extreme weather conditions, an important attribute as wireless providers continue to expand coverage around the globe.

"As the telecommunications industry continues to expand, it's essential that providers have reliable backup power to ensure continuous coverage for consumers in all areas of the globe," said Prescott Logan, General Manager GE Energy Storage Technologies. "The Durathon battery will change the way providers think about backup energy storage and its importance in maintaining network availability."

GE's new battery plant is located in Schenectady, New York, and is creating 350 new high tech jobs in the region. The facility has the advantage of being in close proximity to GE Global Research in Niskayuna, where advances to the battery chemistry were developed. The batteries, which are a critical piece of energy storage systems, will rely heavily on new materials, new manufacturing technologies and intelligent controls.

To learn more about GE's new Durathon battery go to www.geenergystorage.com or follow on Twitter @GEDurathon. The CTIA Wireless exhibition continues through March 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About GE Transportation Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, and mining and wind industries. GE Transportation provides freight and passenger locomotives, signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions, marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality replacement parts and value added services. GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs approximately 8,000 employees worldwide. For more information visit www.getransportation.com.

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GE Transportation Media Contact:
Chris Banocy
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Tel: +1.814.431. 9519 (cell)
chris.banocy@ge.com