WHEC: Germany Marks New Era for Energy Storage and Fuel Cell Industry

Berlin (ots) - Germany has developed the most extensive framework
for the energy storage and fuel cell industry in the world, driven by
the country's unwavering commitment to renewable energies.
International companies can benefit from well coordinated support for
R&D and pilot programs, an export-oriented market and established
industry expertise in this segment. Germany Trade & Invest will be
showcasing opportunities at this year's World Hydrogen Energy
Conference from May 16-21 in Essen, Germany. Additionally, the
organization will be introducing its comprehensive "Germany: Lead
Market for Energy Storage & Fuel Cell Systems" publication at the
event, which profiles specific market and research opportunities in
fuel cells, hydrogen, batteries and smart grids.

In 2009, electricity from renewable sources in Germany increased
to 16.1 percent of the total share. This figure is expected to grow,
as Germany has committed itself to supplying 30 percent of its
electricity with renewable sources by 2020 and 50 percent by 2030.
The large and growing share of renewable energies creates demand for
energy storage options, such as advanced battery, hydrogen and fuel
cell technologies in conjunction with smart meters and grids. These
technologies serve several purposes: to balance the fluctuating
supply of renewable energy generation and to make carbon dioxide-free
power available for a vast array of mobile and portable applications.

With over 70 percent of all hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration
projects in Europe, Germany has already taken the lead in
commercializing this technology. Over 350 companies and institutes
are already active in the industry in Germany. Half of all fuel cell
revenues are generated by exports, making Germany an excellent base
to serve Europe for companies looking to enter this developing
market.

Jürgen Friedrich, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest:
"Germany is taking the lead in energy storage through world-class
research and development and innovative market solutions. No other
country has such a comprehensive strategy, with industry players,
research and development institutes and government policy firmly
committed to this industry."

A number of economic sectors are set to profit from the coming
shift. Materials, components, modules and systems are under
development, creating opportunities for businesses in a broad range
of sectors. Companies benefit from well established networks of
industry partners along the entire value chain.

German policy support is accelerating the industry's growth.
Research on energy technology is currently supported with EUR 2.2
billion for the period 2008 to 2011. Additionally, the "H2 Mobility"
initiative aims to have a comprehensive nationwide infrastructure for
hydrogen refueling in place by 2015. Federal and regional
institutions have created programs to boost the entire industry
spectrum, from R&D to market testing.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment
promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization
advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities
in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

Originaltext: Germany Trade and Invest
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Contact:

Eva Henkel
eva.henkel@gtai.com
Phone: +49(0)30-200099-173
Fax: +49(0)30-200099-111