Nordics and Baltics on Forefront of Global Clean Technology Growth

The global clean technologies sector is growing faster than almost any other major industry, spurned by up to $1 trillion in planned investments. The Nordic and Baltic nations are an ideal market for U.S. companies looking to tap into the global “Clean Tech” market, 90% of which is outside of our borders.

A main driver of growth – despite the headwinds of a global economic slowdown – is the world’s growing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and dependence on oil. At the forefront is the United Nations Climate Summit COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009 where the world will meet to set the standards for greenhouse gas mitigation. When the 15,000 assembled delegates of the world walk out of the room in December, they will ask themselves, “Now, how do we accomplish our goals?” U.S. leadership in the alternative energy/energy efficiency sector can create $40 billion in new U.S. exports per year and 750,000 new jobs.

This month’s featured markets are the Nordic and Baltic countries – a region of 30 million consumers where high-quality American goods, services, and technology are well received, and from which firms can expand into the European Union (EU) or Russia. With Sweden having taken the reins of the EU Presidency on July 1, the region will play an elevated role in setting the agenda and market trends Europe-wide.

Working with the U.S. Department of Energy and other partners, the U.S. Commercial Service is leading the charge with events to bring clean technology opportunities to U.S. companies: