BERLIN and YOKOHAMA, Japan, June 29 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Renewable energy generation in Germany continues to grow in 2010. Accounting for a total of 16.1 percent of all energy production, the share of renewable energies is increasing, driven by the world's largest photovoltaic (PV) market as well as advances in offshore wind. At the same time, this increase is contributing to advancements in energy storage technology. Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives on hand at this year's Renewable Energy International Exhibition from June 30 - July 2 in Yokohama, Japan, to discuss business opportunities in Germany's thriving renewable energies and resources industry.
Germany's photovoltaic market is a long-standing driver of the global renewable energy market. Germany accounted for more than half of all new installations worldwide in 2009, amounting to 3.8 GWp. Germany is the world's largest PV market and an attractive investment location for businesses. To meet this demand, several companies have recently announced or completed new investments in Germany's photovoltaic industry. These include major investments by industry heavyweights First Solar, SolarWorld, Avancis and Juwi.
Offshore Wind and Energy Storage
The wind industry also continues to thrive. The offshore segment offers an especially high level of potential. Germany's first deep-water offshore wind farm, alpha ventus, began feeding electricity into the grid this year, marking the first completed offshore park in a growing number of those set to leave the drawing board. Currently, two large-scale projects in the North and Baltic Seas are under construction. The EEG boosts this segment with guaranteed feed-in tariff rates for at least 20 years and the requirement for transmission system operators to provide offshore grid connections. In April, Germany -- the world's top location for the wind industry -- received an added boost by General Electric (GE). The company announced its comprehensive European offshore strategy including a new engineering center in Hamburg as part of its EUR 105 million investment in Germany.
Germany's share of renewable energies is expected to grow, as the country has committed itself to supplying 30 percent of its electricity with renewable sources by 2020 and 50 percent by 2030. The large and growing share of renewable energies creates demand for energy storage options, such as advanced battery, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in conjunction with smart meters and grids. Germany has developed the most extensive framework for the energy storage and fuel cell industry in the world, which includes coordinated support for R&D and pilot programs, an export-oriented market and established industry expertise.
Advantages in Germany
Manufacturers in Germany not only have access to a large and growing market, they also benefit from a significant competitive advantage through a local brand presence and reputation for high quality products. Germany's renewable energy industry also benefits from the highest density of R&D institutes in the industry. Research on energy technology is currently supported with EUR 2.2 billion in federal funding for the period 2008 to 2011. At the same time, the country boasts a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified and experienced workforce.
The Renewable Energy 2010 International Exhibition will be held from June 30 - July 2, 2010, in Yokohama, Japan. Representatives from Germany Trade & Invest will be at the German Pavilion in booth R-B601 to discuss how businesses can profit from Germany's renewable energies and resources industry.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
For more information, please contact:
Germany Trade & Invest
Eva Henkel
Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com
Phone: +49-30-200099-173
Fax: +49-30-200099-111
