German companies are well positioned to begin entering the lucrative U.S. market for renewable energies and energy efficiency. The 2nd German American Energy Conference, opening in Berlin today, offers information about current trends and support frameworks within the U.S. energy market, and how German companies can benefit from them. This event is organized by the Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) – the German Energy Agency – and the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA).

"Energy efficiency and renewable energy are key industries for the 21^st century" says dena Managing Director Andreas Jung. "German companies have much to offer in these fields and therefore have good chances in the U.S. market. Additionally, the U.S. government is furthering the development of clean technologies."

Simone Pohl, President and CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (AHK USA - Chicago) emphasizes that the transatlantic cooperation in the energy sector between Germany and the United States offers huge potential for both sides. This is underscored by the results of a survey of approximately 300 German and American companies from the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields in the U.S., conducted by the German American Chambers of Commerce in cooperation with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. According to the survey results, almost 40% of the responding U.S. companies are interested in working with German partners. "These opportunities must be specifically targeted. The German American Energy Conference is an ideal platform to accomplish this."

The conference was officially opened by the Federal Minister of Economics, Rainer Brüderle. Federal Minister of Environment, Dr. Norbert Röttgen, spoke at the opening of the evening event. Other speakers included Philip D. Murphy, United States Ambassador to Germany, Dr. Peter Ammon, State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office, Richard L. Morningstar, Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs for U.S. President Barack Obama at the U.S. Department of State, and Scott Gregory Minos, Senior Policy & Communications Specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy. Overall, approximately 400 experts in the political and economic fields are taking part in the two day conference.

The 2nd German American Energy Conference is generously funded by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (BMWi). Solar Millenium AG is the Premium Sponsor. The conference is supported by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the Federal Foreign Office with the Transatlantic Climate Bridge, as well as by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and Germany Trade and Invest. The media partner for the event is the publisher, Energie & Management. The environmental impact of this conference has been offset through a cooperation with "atmosfair."

Further information about the 2nd German American Energy Conference: www.gae-conference.com .

Printable photos of the event.