Ausra's CEO Bob Fishman has provided an update on company's business strategy, stating that it can quickly ramp up and install low-cost projects as early as 2009 or 2010, while large power projects can take three to four years.

"For Ausra, this will allow the company to deploy its technology and generate revenue immediately, while the larger projects are obtaining permits and getting transmission access," said Fishman.

In a statement, released in response to recent news coverage, Fishman said Ausra has complete confidence in the viability and vast potential of the large-scale solar thermal industry.

"Ausra is strategically positioning itself to achieve its goals and serve its customers by focusing on being a technology and equipment supplier rather than an independent power developer and owner. Ausra has developed this strategy in partnership with its prospective customers to enable it to complement rather than compete with its power customer base,"  he said, adding that this strategy allows Ausra to diversify and respond quickly and flexibly to new market opportunities.

As a result, the company will offer utilities and industrial companies the opportunity to own projects with Ausra-manufactured equipment.

Ausra is expanding its product offering to include building medium-sized (50 MW equivalent) solar steam generating systems. Customers include steam users, such as food processors and enhanced oil recovery firms, and utilities for power augmentation (booster) systems that deliver steam into existing fossil-fueled power plants, increasing their power output and reducing carbon emissions.

The company has also realigned the functions in the company. This has resulted in some personnel leaving the company, internal reassignments, and the hiring of new individuals with the talent Ausra needs to implement the new path forward. Further details weren't shared.