Enlarge image (© Germany.info)

Earlier this week, international focus was on Atlanta, as one of the world's largest wind energy events, the 2012 AWEA Windpower Trade Show and Exhibition, took place at the Georgia World Congress Center from June 3rd to June 6th. The Windpower attracted more than 900 exhibitors from some 60 countries, over 12,000 visitors were expected.

On this occasion, the German Consulate General in Atlanta and the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South), together with the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC), invited German exhibitors, business partners, advocates and interested parties to a German Evening Reception on Monday, June 4th 2012. 

The event was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and corporate sponsors.

Enlarge image (© Germany.info) Ms. Martina Stegmeier, CEO and Director of GACC South, opened the event on the roof terrace of the MAC, welcoming approx. 250 guests. Consul Detlef Eckstein mentioned in his address that wind energy is appreciated as a clean and sustainable energy source that spurs economic growth and job creation.

In 2010, the German wind energy sector employed nearly 100,000 people. Last year, more than 20% of Germany’s electricity consumption was produced with renewable energy sources, whereas wind power alone contributed a third of this quantity. With an installed capacity of 29,000MW, Germany is among the top five wind power countries worldwide. The U.S. and China are leading this group.

Enlarge image (© Germany.info) The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) specifically chose Atlanta for this year's international conference and exhibit that is themed ‘Manufacturing the FUTURE Today’. Bill Kimble, Partner at KPMG and MAC board member, explained that this choice was a logical one as the metro area has become a hub for the growing clean technology industry.

The well attended evening event offered plenty of opportunity to network, share tradeshow impressions and expert knowledge, and discuss the political issues that are effecting the U.S. wind industry. 

By the end of 2012, the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) is set to expire, - this leaves many wind proponents concerned about the U.S. wind energy future.