KEMA Briefs Spanish Interests on US Energy and Utility Market

BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwire - October 19, 2009) - Senior executives from KEMA's US consulting group met with over 40 executives of Spanish organizations seeking to build business in the US energy and utility market. The briefing "Energy in the US after the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA): A Practical Guide for Spanish Companies" was sponsored by the Madrid Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior (ICEX), PromoMadrid, Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Madrid (COCIM) and the Madrid Confederation of Employers and Industries (CEIM).

The executive-level meeting took place in Madrid on October 13, 2009 -- the same day that US President Barack Obama and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero had their first official meeting at the White House to discuss various policy issues, including renewable energy.

"The energy and utility market offers a real opportunity for Spain and the US to further build the nations' transatlantic relationship while solving the global challenges we face in building a sustainable energy future," said Hugo van Nispen, president and managing director, KEMA, Inc. "There are several Spanish companies leading the world in renewable energy. Their participation in the US market offers potential to explore on-the-ground initiatives for renewable power generation in an increasingly carbon constrained economy -- in the US and worldwide."

"This is a unique opportunity for bringing the US energy sector to Madrid's entrepreneurs and the other way around," said Arturo Fernández, president of CEIM. "It is also a key step in building the bridge between both countries. CEIM and Madrid always welcome American interests and entrepreneurs -- this is your house."

Kevin Sullivan, senior vice president, power generation services, joined van Nispen in providing insights into the current situation and opportunities for Spanish firms in the US energy and utility market. Key points discussed included:

-- US reinvention of its energy markets with great opportunity for existing and new entrants to gain traction

-- US response to climate change potentially requiring a fundamental change to energy production and delivery, increasing the need for investment and technology

-- Continuing growing role of renewable energy resources in US energy policy, and Spain well positioned to provide insight and implementation experience

-- Smart grids changing the way consumers interact with their providers, creating significant new opportunities.

About KEMA

Founded in 1927, KEMA (www.kema.com) is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and KEMA employs more than 2,000 professionals globally and has offices in 20 countries. KEMA's US subsidiary, KEMA, Inc., is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.

Contact Information: KEMA media relations contacts (www.kema.com/press_releases): North America: Kristen Brewitt tel +1 781 418 5714 Europe: Rolf van Stenus tel +31 26 3 56 2607