German-American renewable energy center to open in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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- Category: Business
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08 May 2009
- Published on Friday, 08 May 2009 13:15
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The state seal of Pennsylvania. Image sourced from the state of Pennsylvania.German businesses wanting to examine renewable energy market opportunities in the US and Canada will soon be given assistance through the GADORE (German American Dialog on Renewable Energy) Center USA, a pool office for small- and medium-sized German companies. GADORE Center will be opened on June 1 at the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Aside from providing basic needs such as office space, GADORE Center will also expose the German companies to consultants, service providers, and investors from the renewable energy sector.
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell presided over a “virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony” for the center that was held last Wednesday (May 6) during the WINDPOWER 2009 conference and exhibition in Chicago, Illinois.
GADORE Center will specifically aid German wind energy manufacturers in launching US and Canadian ventures. Other renewable energy sectors like biomass and solar will also be supported.
Germany’s largest federal state, North Rhine Westphalia, will be overseeing the center through its Ministry of Economic Affairs in partnership with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). DCED Deputy Secretary Wilfred Muskens led the push for the project. Pennsylvania has been working with North Rhine Westphalia since 2006.
GADORE Center will also partner with Chester County Economic Development Council’s Smart Energy Initiative.
"Our commitment to developing a green economy and more forms of clean, renewable energy continues with this important agreement. Pennsylvania is already home to some of the world's largest alternative energy corporations and the new portal will make it possible for the state to expand its reputation as the place for wind energy companies to do business," said Gov. Rendell.
"Governor Rendell's vision to make Pennsylvania a leader in alternative energy production is the main reason we are here today. GADORE Center USA is one important reason why Pennsylvania will be in the forefront for alternative energy for years to come," said Sec. Muskens.
Pennsylvania has an estimated 5,000 megawatts plus of wind energy capacity, according to the American Wind Energy Association. It currently has 361 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity online and 234 MW in testing. The state will be generating enough power for more than 150,000 homes as soon as all 595 MW of its projects are online. Its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard targets that at least 18.5% of all energy sold at retail in the state by 2021 will come from renewable and alternative resources.
The US, with 25,000 MW of installed wind capacity, has recently surpassed Germany in the world in terms of wind power. US capacity has increased by 50% with 8,358 MW from 2007 to 2008.
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Jen Balboa
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