Solar and wind energy experts to convene in Sydney next month

On 10 May, 150 clean energy industry representatives will convene at the Australia-Germany Solar and Wind Energy Industry Conference 2010 at Sydney’s MLC Centre. The admission-free event will focus on market trends and policies and function as a platform for German and Australian representatives from the renewable energy industry. The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Berlin’s Renewable Academ are organising the symposium.

Over a dozen high-profile speakers, including policy-makers and corporate leaders, will address hot issues affecting the renewables industry in Australia and Germany. Delegates will learn about topics ranging from political support and market instruments to technological progress.

Highlights will include Dr Muriel Watt’s presentation on current support policies for the Australian solar market and insights on PV system performance excellence explained by Dr Juergen Arp from the German Solar Industry Association. Clean energy experts from many renowned institutions and green tech powerhouses will present flagship projects, large-scale business ventures, legal aspects and next-generation technologies. Germany’s industry leaders will share their experiences from a highly developed and competitive market.

Local industry representatives have the opportunity to network with peers and exchange their experiences with key players from Germany’s renewables industry.

“As a forum for suppliers, installers, investors, manufacturers and other clean energy stakeholders, the event will focus on fast tracking the commercialisation of renewable energy in Australia,” says Anja Kegel, Business Development Manager at the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

“With the enhanced Renewable Energy Target, high wind speeds and abundant sunlight, Australia is poised to become the next global leader in solar and wind energy. As Germany’s clean energy market is slowly maturing, German companies are interested in bringing their successful business ventures and expertise to Australia,” Kegel adds.

For more than two decades, Germany has continuously pioneered solar and wind energy technologies. Today, 21,000 wind turbines generate nearly 8% of Germany’s electricity demand. Proving that sustainability stimulates economic growth, Germany’s PV industry alone has created over 42,000 jobs. In total, Germany’s clean energy industry employs a workforce of 250,000 with an annual turnover of 30 billion euros.