Capstone Turbine is the Chief Corporate Sponsor of United Nations Rio+20: "The Future We Want" Global Initiative; 50,000 Participants + 130 World Leaders Attending

Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa Speaks Out in Support of California Clean Energy and Capstone

CHATSWORTH, Calif., June 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, is the chief corporate sponsor of "The Future We Want" initiative at the United Nations' Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 20-22.

Capstone positioned to help advance UN's top 3 energy goals

According to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the world's energy availability numbers are dismal. 1 in 5 people lack access to modern electricity and an astounding 3 billion people – 43% of the world's population – rely on wood, coal, charcoal, or animal waste for cooking and heating. Capstone's innovative microturbine technology is recognized for its ability to support the UN's top three energy goals.

UN goal #1: Universal access to sustainable energy:

• microturbines can produce electrical outputs of 30 kilowatts to 10+ megawatts completely off the grid; and
• more than 6,500 reliable, clean-and-green microturbines are installed in 75 countries – from secluded mountain tops to major metropolitan cities on nearly every continent;

UN goal #2: Double energy efficiency:

• microturbines can attain 75+ percent energy efficiency – much higher than the 30-50 percent efficiency of many traditional power sources.

UN goal #3: Double the use of renewable energy sources:

• microturbines run on a variety of fuels, including renewable landfill and biogas;
• cut carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions 50%;
• slash nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions 95%; and
• operate in tandem with solar and wind power.

"We believe a holistic approach to clean, decentralized energy is imperative to reach the future we want," said Darren Jamison, Capstone President and CEO. "Our low-emission microturbines are a clean-and-green alternative energy source that can be installed anywhere and, when complemented with solar and wind power, can craft a future where economical, reliable, base loaded clean energy is the norm."

At the global conference, Capstone will host the massive 136 x 20-foot "Future We Want" wall positioned at the conference entrance where 50,000 heads of state, business executives, global policy makers, and other leaders will pass daily. The visually striking wall will feature large television screens broadcasting inspiring stories about programs that have addressed energy, poverty, hunger, conservation, and other issues. Capstone will debut several global microturbine energy videos, including films that highlight the significant benefits of using renewables as fuel for clean power generation as well as a recorded message from the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/43kwcy

"Capstone is honored to be able to support the UN's Rio+20 Future We Want global initiative and we value the support of Mayor Villaraigosa. It's a great opportunity to support a critical global cause and simultaneously showcase Capstone's unique ability to support the UN's strategic energy goals," added Jamison.

About Capstone Turbine Corporation

Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST) is the world's leading producer of low-emission microturbine systems, and was the first to market commercially viable microturbine energy products. Capstone Turbine has shipped over 6,500 Capstone MicroTurbine(R) systems to customers worldwide. These award-winning systems have logged millions of documented runtime operating hours. Capstone Turbine is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power Partnership, which is committed to improving the efficiency of the nation's energy infrastructure and reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. A UL-Certified ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified company, Capstone is headquartered in the Los Angeles area with sales and/or service centers in the New York Metro Area, Mexico City, Nottingham, Shanghai and Singapore.

The Capstone Turbine Corporation logo is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6212

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is used in the federal securities laws, about the advantages of our products and our ability to support the UN's strategic energy goals. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "objective," "intend," "targeted," "plan" and similar phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties described in Capstone's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may cause Capstone's actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in such statements. Capstone cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Capstone undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

"Capstone" and "Capstone MicroTurbine" are registered trademarks of Capstone Turbine Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Capstone Turbine Corporation
         Investor and investment media inquiries:
         818-407-3628
         ir@capstoneturbine.com

Released June 13, 2012