Green

Is it possible to pursue alternative, renewable energy while at the same time stimulating the economy? Well, it certainly seems to be working for Germany’s burgeoning wind energy industry! A recent article in Businessweek highlighted German’s windmill generators. According to the article, 7% of the nation’s power and electrical needs are generated from the wind power harvested by these windmills. Further, because of favorable regulation of the industry, “Germany has become a global powerhouse in green energy, producing more electricity from wind than any other country.” Germany currently leads the international market in wind production, they have no plans to stop there. According to this blogger, the country plans  to expand their wind farms and the use of other renewable energy resources, which will position Germany as a true international leader in alternative energy production.

In addition to the economic stimulus in the wind energy field, the German economy has benefited from other green businesses. According to Businessweek, this sector of the economy employs more than 235,000 people and generates sales upwards of $33 billion. While the U.S. economy is currently plagued with surging oil prices and increased concerns over global warming ramifications, Germany is seeing the payoff for their labors in pioneering wind-harvesting technology. In addition, the solar industry in Germany is also beginning to take off, with almost 100 companies manufacturing solar cells within the country.

As the market in Germany grows and experiences such a level of success, it begs the question: why aren’t other nations adopting similar approaches? Each country has its own natural resources, which, like the wind in Germany, could be harvested as a source of alternative energy. There are plenty of other possibilities: why not try to harvest wave/water energy? Plenty of nations, the United States included, might be able to develop technology to commercially harvest the power of moving water from rivers, waterfalls, waves, etc. Though German innovators currently have a leg up in the wind energy market, the US market in this field is growing rapidly. It is quite possible that the US will be able to implement a successful system as Germany has done, especially if they’re backed by similar government incentives and support. Clean energy could truly become a reality.

When the global atmosphere is telling us to “go green,” smart business minds will take that imperative seriously and find ways to profit at the same time. Germany’s wind industry has proven that a successful partnership between green energy alternatives and economic stimulation is possible. Other nations would to well to learn from this example, and green alternatives are proving to be a responsible and profitable solution.

By Michael Gorvin