Logo of German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern US

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. 

Register for our Kick-Off Session & Workshop on July 22, 2025!

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 / Welcoming
July 22 '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 1Status Quo of Clean Tech in Germany and the Southeastern USA 
Sept 9 '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 2Applied Research – Innovations for Resilient Microgrids 
Nov 4, '25, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 3Business Models for Sustainable Microgrids – From Concept to Scaling 
Jan 13 '26, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 4Community Microgrids – Local Engagement for Sustainable Energy Solutions 
March 10, 2026, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 5Smart Grids & Digitalization – Backbone of Modern Microgrids 
May 12, 2026, 9:00 AM ESTMasterclass 6Transatlantic Perspectives – From Pilot Projects to a Global Community 
Oct 16 '25, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 1NextGen Clean Tech – Student Pitches for a Sustainable Future 
Feb 19 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 2Technology Meets Participation – Shaping Sustainable Community Projects 
April 16 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 3Climate-Proof Solutions – Resilience for Remote Regions 
June 18 '26, 9:00 AM ESTInnovation Circle 4Rethinking Island Solutions – Modular, Resilient, Scalable 

Delegation Trips

Dates

Date & TimeActivityTopic / Description
Nov 8–14, '25Clean Ambassador Trip (Cologne/Berlin)Visit to Greener Manufacturing Expo (Nov 12–13)
 
  • Tours of pilot projects and best practices
  • Roundtable discussions with municipalities, industry, and startups
  • Visit to EUREF Campus or Green Tech Hub Berlin
Feb 2–6, '26Clean Ambassador Trip (NC & TN)Tour of Smart Grid project in Chattanooga, TN
 
  • Excursion to Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL), TN
  • Community-based CleanTech projects in Roane County (TN) and Alleghany County (NC)
  • Visit to UNC Institute for the Environment & NC Clean Energy Technology Center
  • Meeting with E4 Carolinas in Charlotte, NC
Are you working on solutions for the future?

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

Get in Touch