Events

September 2011

RETECH (Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition) 2011
Washington, DC, United States
September 20-22, 2011

http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=30897&InputType=EVENT

THEME: RETECH 2010 attracted over 3,000 attendees and over 150 exhibitors across the entire renewable energy marketplace, from all renewable energy sectors - wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, ocean, biomass, and waste. In 2010, the conference attracted more than 250 industry experts to speak and provide their insights into new products, strategies, and technologies covering all renewable energy sectors. RETECH also attracts discussions with Government agencies, financial investors, legal experts and others regarding the opportunities and challenges facing the renewable energy industry, both here in the United States and in international markets.

Hydropower Africa 2011
September 21-23, 2011

http://www.hydropowerafrica.com/en/site-visits.php?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=HPA-sitevisits-30-06-11&utm_medium=email

Hydropower Africa 2011 offers you the unique opportunity to visit Africa's top Hydropower projects. All inclusive and CPD accredited (2 credits per tour), these unique tours will take place as part of the largest hydropower event in Africa and will take you to the heart of the African hydropower industry.

Experience world-class projects and implementations. Speak directly to the implementers and technical staff responsible for these projects.

1. Inga hydropower project, DRC (21 – 23 September 2011)

2. Eastern Cape small hydropower schemes – First Fall, Second Falls and Mbashe (22 – 23 September 2011)

3. Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Bank Power Stations, Zambia (22 – 23 September 2011)

October 2011

Harvesting Clean Energy Conference
Boise, Idaho
October 23-25, 2011

http://harvestcleanenergy.org/events/conference

Drawing on top-notch presenters with real-world experience getting successful projects built, this year’s power-packed agenda will focus on the practical steps, helping you understand:

  • Where are your best opportunities in renewable energy, biomass and biofuels, or upgrading to energy efficient equipment?
  • What financing, technical expertise, and partners are available to help?

The conference is designed for:

  • Farmers, ranchers and other rural landowners
  • Food processors
  • Agriculture organizations
  • Public and private utilities
  • Rural economic development leaders
  • Local, state, federal and tribal officials
  • Clean energy firms, consultants and supporters
  • The next generation of rural workers and leaders

Thanks to the support of sponsors, the conference is remarkably affordable. Farmers, ranchers and other private individuals can register early for $90, professionals for $160.

Green Export Enabler Program: Eco Expo Asia Tradeshow
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Of The People's Republic Of China
October 26-29, 2011

http://greenexport.eventbrite.com/?ref=enivtefor&invite=MTExNjM5Ny9uaWNvbGVAbXd0Yy5vcmcvMA%3D%3D&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformal&utm_term=eventpage

THEME: Green Export Enabler Program (GEEP) is a Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) that assists U.S. cleantech, renewable energy and green building companies export to China. GEEP will offset much of your booth and hotel costs to exhibit at the 6th edition of Eco Expo Asia!

Eco Expo Asia is a large environmental technologies trade show in Hong Kong and is an ideal platform for U.S. green manufacturers, service providers, and suppliers to gain access to the growing Asian environmental industry.

“Green Tech for a Cleaner World” is the fair’s theme with the show’s emphasis on air quality, energy efficiency and energy, waste management and recycling and eco-friendly products. To meet the region’s environmental needs, a special focus will be placed on E-waste Management and New Materials.

Asia Pacific Business Outlook Summary

APBO Presentation Slides

The event kicked off with a Key note Francisco Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, he focused on the National Export Initiative (NEI) and efforts to help double exports. The following day Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service spoke and reiterated with similar comments. Here are some highlights:

- Asia will be a focus area for export efforts

- Focus on existing exporters

- SBA to help with training for new exporters

- Corporate partners, such as Fed Ex and UPS, will play a role

- Increase in trade missions and gov’t working with strategic partners

- Reforming export controls (lead by DOD Robert Gates and Secretary Locke)

- Newly created Export Promotion Cabinet reports to President Obama

Summary of One-on-One with U.S. Commercial Officers

Dale Tasharski- India

Opportunity for MWTC/MEEC: 90% of energy comes from coal. US India Business Council is hosting the Coal Minister from India May 15-23, 2010. Montana companies servicing the mining industry have been invited to participate in reception and networking events. Mining, reclamation and water resource management offer strong potential for companies interested in pursuing.

Eric Wolff- China

China's acute environmental problems stem from a deteriorating natural resource base, dense population, heavy reliance on coal, outmoded technology, underpriced water and energy, and breakneck industrial growth. In response to this situation, the government has unleashed a burst of environmental legislation, shut down thousands of small, dirty factories, and decreed by 2010 the country will reduce its total pollution discharge by 10% from the 2005 level and reduce energy consumption by 20% per GDP unit. It is estimated that in the coming five years, China will invest 175 billion USD in environmental protection, accounting for 1.3-1.4% of GDP.

There are enormous opportunities in the environmental protection market in China. Some best prospects in this field are listed as follows

-Municipal and industry wastewater treatment technology (sludge, auto-control)

-Hazardous waste and medical waste treatment technology

-Waste-to-Energy technologies

-De-SOx and De-NOx technologies

-Air and water monitoring equipment

The following notes are to help prepare for market entry into China for environmental services/industry:

1. Partnerships with multinationals will best position company

2. China will try to do project in house/internally prior to outsourcing

3. Pursue strongest niche

4. Utilize U.S.C.S. office, Environment sector (Betsey Shay- contact can be provided by MWTC)

5. Papers, research increase competitive position

6. In need of project management for a solution, implementing a system rather then a single step, machine or solution.

7. Focus on second tier cities

Ann Bacher- Mexico

Suggested Waste Expo as a valuable event and opportunity to meet with buying delegation (via the U.S. Commercial Service). http://www.wasteexpo.com. Provided MEEC information, opportunities exist for all companies/service sectors, companies willing to pursue should schedule meeting with U.S. Commercial office in Mexico City. Opportunities for infrastructure development, heavy machinery and equipment in additional to environmental services. Strongest position held with strong niche, local partnerships, or as sub to multinational firms.

John Peters- Japan

MEEC’s best opportunities are in Asbestos clean up and soil remediation. Able to connect Montana firms with local firms for projects, those interested in pursuing this market are well positioned to compete in Japan for projects, need to be willing to invest time and resources to understand market and visit proponents and potential partners. Also suggested MEEC companies attend Waste Expo event.

John Fogarasi- South Korea

Local companies have preference on Environmental projects unless significant experience, niche or new technology. U.S. Military relocation project may present opportunities for U.S. firms, looking into details to pass to MEEC members. Recommended MEEC firms work with U.S. commercial service to get a “quick take” at market opportunities. Charge for service is $500, but there are opportunities to be flexible if overlapping industry sectors or information is requested.

Summary of Market Outlooks and Seminars

Energy, Infrastructure and Sustainable Urbanization in India: Half of India’s population will urbanize in the coming years. Consumption will go from the worlds 5th largest to the 3rd. Electrical needs are 3x the existing capacity. Major buildings have their own power source. Focus on increasing renewable power sources, energy efficiency (products/solutions) and off grid solutions.

Creation of a National Action Plan on Climate Change focuses on biofuels and energy resources. Alternative energy sources include solar, hydro, bio-fuels, and biomass. Nuclear strategy includes improving performance of existing plants and improving knowledge and training.

Decreased access to clean water and polluted river systems are pushing water clean up initiatives.

Infrastructure maintains focus, 20km of road projects. India is looking to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Europe and Japan within near future.

Are We Going Down, Because China Is Coming Up? Next evolution is the “Green” Revolution. Not a zero sum game, all rise or all fall, human races as a whole faces the same challenges- Terrorism, climate change and financial crisis. The latter…the concern is those fixing the problem are the same who created and capitalized on situation.

Green Business Opportunities in Japan, Korea and Guangdong: Korea efforts are driven by players (more then gov’t), IBM is partner is a smart grid prototype center, considered to be one of the top centers in the world for R&D of smart grid technologies. Opportunities: Biomass technologies.

Hong Kong/GZ- sustainability concerns- air quality, solid waste disposal and marine pollution. Gov’t subsidies for companies to perform industrial clean up. Opportunities: Waste to Energy, Green Building (B+, local LEED standard), Clean Energy Trade Mission with U.S. Commercial Service, Green Export Enabler Program (GEEP)- subsidized trip to Eco Expo Asia www.exoexpoasia.com, www.greenexport.org. Contact MWTC for more information on how you can participate in this program. Japan Green industry represents a $1.2 Trillion market- both commercial and residential. Japan gov’t provides an incentive to home owners to invest in solar, residents break even in less then years. Greatest opportunities for U.S. firms are in Asbestos clean and soil remediation.

Green Business Opportunities in China, India and Vietnam: China- Significant subsidies for firms looking to build solar energy plant in rural areas. China is looking to grow wind and renewable energy availability/capacity to 100 GW by 2020. Agreements with Obama Administration to help foster U.S.-China trade for renewable energy, clean technologies and services. Vietnam- Water resource management needs, records droughts are increasing demands. The country is looking to China for clean coal technologies to meet energy demands. Opportunities for U.S. companies are available in green building, architecture and design. A regulatory framework in Vietnam is lacking. India- looking to decrease tariffs on solar and wind energy related products. Products have to have local components or content to meet certain requirements. There is a National Action Plan for Green Initiatives.

Where to Find Credit: Financing Options for Your Goods and Services: This session focused on resources the Ex-Im bank offers to support both pre and post production financing. Large purchases, high value products (mostly related to transportation/infrastructure) are available for the Global Trade Finance Program and Lender loan guarantees. World Bank provides country assistance strategy to help companies determine market opportunities with the MDB (Multilateral Development Banks).

India Outlook

NEI expedited how resources are allocated, significant attention given to India as rising economy. 71% of population is 31 years or younger, 25 is the median age. India is a net importer, driven my increasing consumption habits. Exports increased 110% from 06 through 2010. Rupee is increasing in value and India is experiencing a 7-10% growth rate. Challenges: Bureaucracy, opaque regulations, modified duties. Opportunities for U.S. Companies: Safety and security, education, renewable energy, food processing, health care and medical, mining, mineral, aerospace and defense.

Contact Info:
Montana World Trade Center
Gallagher Business Building,
Suite 257
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana, 59812-6798
Tel: (406) 243-6982
Fax: (406) 243-5259
E-mail: