Metro Denver: Colorado is North America's Cleantech Hub

DALLAS, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, during the American Wind Energy Association's WindPower 2010 Conference & Exhibition in Dallas, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will lead a first-of-its kind #CleantechHub Twitter chat at 3 p.m. CDT discussing states' roles in growing new energy economies.  

In addition to Governor Ritter's chat, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) will host two subsequent chats during the conference on Tuesday, May 25 by Renewable Energy World's Graham Jesmer and on Wednesday, May 26 by Clean Edge's Clint Wilder. Both hour-long chats will start at 3 p.m. CDT.

The #CleantechHub discussions and a new website — www.CleantechHub.org — are a part of the Metro Denver EDC's launch of its Colorado Cleantech campaign targeting national and international companies in wind, solar, biofuels, smart grid, and natural gas.

"As states across the U.S. seek to attract cleantech investment, Colorado is at the forefront of how a state can grow its clean energy economy," said Governor Ritter. "With supportive state policies, access to an international airport and the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and researchers at the nation's premier renewable energy lab and research universities, our state is an undisputed hub for clean technology."

Located in the thriving Rocky Mountain West, Colorado has the nation's second-most highly educated workforce and is strategically positioned in the nation's wind tunnel with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

"A mile above sea level, Colorado is one of the most significant states with regard to cleantech investment and job creation," said Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver EDC. "With the great brainpower based here, we really are the only state that's able to produce great cleantech ideas out of thin air."

The benefit of the region's natural and human resources haven't been lost on global companies looking to expand. In fact, over the past two years, 17 wind and solar companies have announced plans to relocate to or expand in Colorado.

The most prominent example, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has announced investments of nearly $1 billion in wind-turbine production plants in Colorado that will directly employ 2,500 people.

In addition, Governor Ritter signed 56 pieces of legislation that will continue to keep Colorado in the forefront for cleantech jobs and investment, including the nation's second-highest Renewable Portfolio Standard mandating that 30 percent of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by 2020.

For more information on why Colorado is North America's cleantech hub visit http://www.CleantechHub.org or booth No.12260 at WindPower 2010.

SOURCE Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation