More than 700 people attended today's 2009 Clean Tech Showcase 'Stimulating the Sacramento Region's Clean Tech Economy' at Sacramento State University. The latest innovations from 120 Clean Technology companies specializing in solar, wind, biofuel, and energy-efficient technologies were on display. The event brought together the region's most influential leaders in renewable energy and environmental technology and featured keynote speaker, Dan Sperling, author of Two Billion Cars.
As the seventh most environmentally 'smart' large city in the nation according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sacramento continues to play a significant role in shaping energy policy. The city is considered an emerging 'hub' for the nation's Clean Energy technology, and its unique combination of high-tech resources and world-class academic institutions provides the resources that emerging Clean Tech companies need to thrive.
'SMUD is proud to sponsor CleanStart's 2009 Clean Tech Showcase,' said John DiStasio, General Manager and CEO of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. 'We sponsored the initial clean energy feasibility study that created SARTA's CleanStart program and we've been supportive of its programs ever since. We feel that CleanStart's role in assisting new, innovative and growing businesses is vital to the economic health of Sacramento, and we salute the clean tech companies that are working hard to bring new technologies and jobs to our region.'
The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) and its CleanStart program continues to stimulate the region's economy by helping entrepreneurs and start-up companies assemble solid management teams, secure adequate funding and accelerate the commercialization of sound product ideas. The number of clean technology firms in the Sacramento area has tripled in the last four years from 30 to more than 100 - now providing more than 1,800 local jobs. CleanStart has already accomplished its set goal of seeing 25 new clean tech businesses in the region by 2010 and 1,000 more jobs.
In 2009, venture capitalists have invested more than $3.86 billion in clean technology worldwide. Investments are down this year compared to 2008, but momentum is quickly returning with a 32% increase in third quarter alone. Sacramento has already experienced substantial growth in its regional clean-tech companies during the last three years and will continue to simulate its local economy as the industry continues to accelerate and expand.
'I am happy to be one of the freshest faces in Sacramento and the 2009 Clean Tech Showcase after relocating my business to the area less than one month ago,' explains Eduardo Saucedo, CEO of Solera Power Corp. 'Sacramento provides a growing market for clean technology companies and has the resources, support and politics in place to support start up companies. In my eyes, this region combines the best conditions for solar electricity generation, which is essential as our company strives to produce renewable solar energy at the lowest possible price.'
As the market for clean energy continues to develop, Sacramento is projected to create 10,000 new jobs and $5 billion per year in direct economic activity in the next ten years. Sacramento's impressive growth and potential has attracted both national and global attention. The City of Sacramento was one of 12 U.S. cities to receive a Solar America Cities grant for $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the advancement of solar energy. Additionally, multinational clean-tech firms, such as German companies SMA American, a Belgian solar company Enfinity and Dutch-based Ecostream and Pacific Ethanol, Inc. have recently transplanted their headquarters to Sacramento.
'There is a growing momentum in forming new clean tech companies in Sacramento,' said Gary Simon, CleanStart's co-chairman. 'The region has great assets in world-class research facilities, a growing community of entrepreneurs looking to change the world, and great access to government funding and venture capital.'
Keywords: CleanStart, Biofuel, Clean Energy, Conservation, Department Of Energy, Ecology, Electricity Generation, Energy, Energy And Environment, Energy Policy, Environment, Finance, Government, Investing, Investment, Natural Resources, Oil & Gas, Politics, Renewable Energy, Technology, Venture Capital.
This article was prepared by Energy Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Energy Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.
