June 6, 2009

Markell: Delaware can be Green Leader

Governor delivers keynote address at national energy conference

PHILADELPHIA –Governor Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and other government officials, industry financiers and researchers to discuss the future of solar energy in our nation Tuesday. Delivering the keynote address to the Solar Energy Industries Association national conference, Markell argued that Delaware must position itself to be an innovative leader and spur economic growth.

In his address, Governor Markell spoke of the challenges and opportunities inherent in simultaneously spurring innovation, scaling up new technologies and preparing tomorrow’s workforce while addressing growing environmental challenges.  He stressed the importance of ensuring that America becomes both the world’s leading producer of clean tech innovation and a key consumer of clean technology so that our nation “does not trade its addiction to Saudi oil for dependence on Chinese solar panels.”

Following President Obama’s renewable energy strategies, the Governor has focused his efforts on transforming Delaware into one of the top markets per capita for renewable energy in the United States.  Governor Markell discussed his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for solar manufacturers and integrators alike, encouraging a thorough systems-wide approach to growing clean industries in Delaware.

“First,” said Markell, “we have one of the most skilled workforces in the nation with a population of engineering talent that rivals Silicon Valley.  Secondly, we have one of the most advanced high-efficiency solar research programs in the nation at the University of Delaware.  Third, we have established companies throughout our State, all moving rapidly into the renewable energy market.  And finally, Delaware has a rapidly growing consumer demand within the state, with tens of millions of potential customers living or working within a relatively short distance.”

The Governor also highlighted the past successes of DNREC Secretary Colin O’Mara in the area of solar technology and said that Delaware will work diligently to develop it as a market. The goal, he said, is to improve the efficiency and value of this technology at every step from research and innovation to permitting and workforce development.

“We don’t believe that a stand-alone incentive or program is going to make the transformative change we need—only an integrated approach will work,” said Markell.

He added the importance of developing government policies, which would promote the usage of solar energy into the average consumer’s lifestyle. This would be accomplished in part by adopting aggressive energy codes and promoting one of the most progressive net metering laws in the nation.

“In Delaware, we believe that talking about the green economy is easy.  But putting the pieces together in a way that helps grow new and existing businesses, create well-paying jobs, improve our environment and end our dependence on foreign oil will require unprecedented partnerships between government and the clean technology industry.  My administration and I are committed to making this happen,” said Markell.