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CleanTech in Germany and the U.S. South

Together with partners from Germany and the southeastern United States, we are advancing the energy transition through transatlantic collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and expertise in sustainable technologies.

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Sustainable Solutions with Economic Impact 

Both Germany and the United States are actively driving the transformation of their energy systems. However, the approaches vary drastically under different political, regulatory, and market conditions. Global geopolitical shifts and changes in national policy have underscored the urgency and complexity of implementing sustainable energy systems on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Germany is pursuing ambitious strategies for decarbonization and the development of a hydrogen economy. In contrast, many states in the southeastern U.S. are embracing CleanTech primarily as an economically driven opportunity, often independently of federal policy in Washington. Technologies such as renewable energy, energy storage solutions, smart grids, community-based microgrids, and circular economy models are gaining traction across the region. These innovations are key to enhancing energy independence, climate resilience, and long-term competitiveness. 

Learn more about our upcoming Ambassador Trip to the Carolinas in May 2026.

 

Program Objectives 

This transatlantic program promotes dialogue and cooperation between local stakeholders in both countries. Its core objectives are to: 

  • Strengthen knowledge and technology transfer 
  • Develop joint solutions for clean energy challenges 
  • Unlock new business opportunities 
  • Engage the broader public in shaping a sustainable energy future 

Program Framework 

The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The initial program duration is two years, with each year dedicated to a specific CleanTech focus area. This structure allows for in-depth exchange and targeted implementation of sustainable energy solutions. 

🧩 The Program

Module

Each year consists of several program modules designed to foster transatlantic exchange and collaboration. These include:

 

Masterclasses providing in-depth knowledge and best practice examples from both Germany and the US

 

Innovation Circles bringing together experts, policymakers, companies, and researchers to jointly address challenges and develop solutions

 

Clean Ambassador Delegation Trips to both Germany and the Southeastern US enabling hands-on site visits, expert roundtables, and direct exchange between communities, researchers, companies, and policy leaders 

 

Startup Exchanges supporting early-stage companies from Germany and the US in building international partnerships and market access

Target Groups

Companies

Startups

Cluster

Government organizations

NGOs

Research institutions

Universities

Investors

Outlook

Year 1: Clean Tech Applied Research, Innovative Business Models, and Community Projects with a Focus on Island Solutions


Year 2: Smart Appliances Implementation, Adaptability, and Cybersecurity in the Context of a Digital Energy Transition

Overview - Year 1

Activities, Dates & Topics

Date & TimeActivityTopic / Description 
July 16 '25, 9:00 AM ESTKick-Off Session & WorkshopKick-Off / WelcomingThis event has passed
August 5 '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 1Status Quo of Clean Tech in Germany and the Southeastern USAThis event has passed
Sept 9 '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 2Applied Research – Innovations for Resilient MicrogridsThis event has passed
Nov 4, '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 3Business Models for Sustainable Microgrids – From Concept to ScalingThis event has passed
Feb 24 '26, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 4Topic: Community microgrids - Local engagement for sustainable energy solutions
Mar 10, 2026, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 5Topic: Smart grids & digitalization -  The backbone of modern microgrids
May 12, 2026, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 6Topic: Transatlantic perspectives - From pilot projects to a global community
Feb 24 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 1Title: NextGen Clean Tech - Student pitches for a sustainable future
Mar 31 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 2Title: Technology meets participation - Designing future-ready community projects
April 16 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 3Title: Climate-proof solutions - Resilience for remote regions
June 18 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 4Title: Rethinking island solutions - Modular, resilient, scalable

Overview - Year 2

Aktivitäten, Termine & Themen

Date & Time

(EST)

ActivityTopic 
7. Jul '26, 9:00 AMMasterclass 1Topic: Technological innovations in smart appliances: AI, IoT, 5G, and energy efficiency 
8. Sept '26, 9 AMMasterclass 2Topic: Regulations and standards: compatibility and cybersecurity in smart appliances 
10. Nov '26, 9 AMMasterclass 3Topic: Market potential and adoption of smart appliances: Germany vs. the U.S. Southeast 
12. Jan '27, 9 AMMasterclass 4Topic: Business models and incentives: long-term use of smart appliances 
9. Mar '27, 9 AMMasterclass 5Topic: Security risks: data privacy and cyberattacks 
11. Mai '27, 9 AMMasterclass 6Topic: Startups and SMEs: contributions to scaling smart appliances 
15. Okt '26, 9 AMInnovation Circle 1Title: Smart Home, Smarter Society - Pathways to user adoption 
18. Feb '27, 9 AMInnovation Circle 2Title: Modular Minds - Smart appliances for every lifestyle 
15. Apr '27, 9 AMInnovation Circle 3Title: Privacy by Design - Smart, secure, legally compliant 
17. Jun '27, 9 AMInnovation Circle 4Title: Smart for All - Technology for social inclusion 

Delegation Trips

Dates

Date & TimeActivityTopic / Description
Nov 8–14, '25Clean Ambassador Trip (Cologne/Berlin)Visit to Greener Manufacturing Expo (Nov 12–13)
Registration Closed
  • Tours of pilot projects and best practices
  • Roundtable discussions with municipalities, industry, and startups
  • Visit to EUREF Campus or Green Tech Hub Berlin
May 10-15, '26Clean Ambassador Trip CarolinasExperience the clean technology innovation hubs in the U.S. South firsthand.

 

  • City of Charlotte – Smart Office
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Siemens Energy
  • UNC Charlotte (Energy & Grid Research)
  • Carolinas Engine for Grid Modernization
  • Duke Energy
  • Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
  • BMW Manufacturing (Greer, SC)
  • Bosch (Anderson, SC)
  • Lowe’s Innovation Labs
  • Joule Accelerator / E4 Carolinas
  • Honeywell or Schneider Electric

(Final stops may vary.)

Are you working on solutions for the future?

Then become part of our network and contribute your perspective to the transatlantic CleanTech dialogue.

Call for Participation & Speakers

Would you like to take part in the TAP Clean Tech Program 2026 or contribute as a speaker?

 

TAP Clean Tech connects industry, research, startups, and the public sector to advance transatlantic exchange on clean-tech topics - through masterclasses, innovation circles, and ambassador trips.

 

Topic areas:
Clean Energy · Smart Cities · Grid Modernization · Industry Decarbonization · Innovation & Startups

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