A rooftop solar panel array on display at the German-American Chamber of Commerce.

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States has strengthened its green initiative to assist U.S. companies in adopting cutting-edge environmental technologies of German companies by hosting conferences and networking events.

Germany and the United States face similar environmental issues, but Germany is “a step ahead” in green technology, said Wenke Simon, project coordinator of the green initiative.  She told GlobalAtlanta that German chambers throughout the world have focused on environmental issues because of the country’s aggressive policies to encourage technological developments in this field.

Last year the chamber held environmental technology conferences in Texas and Florida, two of the states in the chamber’s territory.  In Atlanta, the chamber held a networking event on Aug. 14, displaying solar paneling for rooftop installation.  A similar event will be held at the chamber on 530 Mean Street on Dec. 10.

Ms. Simon said that solar power has great potential for success in Georgia, adding that now is the time to invest in this growing industry.

The chamber first organized networking events in 2004 and is redoubling its efforts this year to allow German companies to present their products and to “bring together like-minded people” in the area of green technology, said Ms. Simon.  She added that the initiative hopes to work closely with the Georgia Solar Energy Association, a non-profit working to educate Georgians on the benefits of solar power.

The green initiative held its first conference in Austin, Texas, in March 2006 in partnership with the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, a group of over 300 businesses interested in “going green.”  Four German solar and wind energy companies participated in the conference.  The companies presented their products to American businesses and participated in one-on-one meetings with prospective partners.

Three of the German companies, WINDTEST Grevebroich GmbH, Deutsche WindGuard GmbH and Leuchtturm Consulting KG specialize in wind energy development.  Wind energy is Texas’ most well-developed form of renewable energy, according to Ms. Simon.  Sun Technics GmbH also participated in the conference, focusing on “biogas” or ethanol fuels.

At the end of the conference, Russell Smith, director of the Texas association, pledged his long term support to German energy companies entering the U.S. market, according to a press release from the green initiative.

The chamber also organized the Renewable Energy Conference in Orlando, Fla., in November 2006 to promote seven German companies interested in entering the American market.

Most of the companies that participated in the Florida conference specialize in solar energy.  Solartekt GmbH builds and installs solar panels in homes.  Aeroline GmbH has developed an advanced tubing system for home heating designed for efficient installation.  IMO NorthAmerica, Inc. has created “slewing drives” that allow solar arrays to actually track the sun, according to information provided by Ms. Simon.

The chamber’s next green initiative networking event will be held in the offices of the German American Chamber on Dec. 4. Companies interested in participating in the event should contact the German American Chamber.