Europe's CleanTech Top 100

Europe's cleanest and most innovative technology is being made in Eastern Germany according to the Guardian newspaper's "CleanTech 100" list of the "hottest" cleantech companies in Europe.

Topping the list of the 100 greenest companies is Odersun, a company pioneering silicon-free, cost-effective solar cells in Frankfurt (Oder). The Cleantech Top 100 is seen as a roll call of the future players in the clean technology market. "It's an exciting glimpse into the future," says Richard White, one of the analysts at Library House, the UK-based research firm who compiled the top 100.

Although many of the companies on the list may not yet have household name status, they're responsible for developing the emerging, green technologies and cutting-edge products that are breaking onto the market right now. Odersun however did make headlines last year when it delivered specially designed solar cells for the Olympic Park in Beijing as part of the Chinese government’s commitment to "building a resource-conserving and environmentally friendly society."

Odersun's latest success saw it ranked with other clean technology companies according to factors of beneficial environmental impact, vision, and potential for growth. The final list runs the gamut of energy-saving innovations ranging from solar-powered air conditioning to producing fuel from food waste. Hailing from 12 European countries and Israel, the majority of the companies included are based in the UK, but Germany is the clear champion in the solar power sector. There are 17 German solar companies in the top 100, with three of them making the top ten.

Over half of all global solar energy is produced in Germany and the industry, which has its hub in the east, is booming.

By building on the available skills in the region and promoting increased investment through generous incentives, the local economies of Germany’s new states are turning a corner. Odersun opened its first plant in Frankfurt in 2007 and will soon inaugurate a second facility that will see capacity increase sixfold. The company manufactures thin solar cells that mount onto roofs, and says they can design to any size or power requirement. Crucially they've substituted silicon for copper, which has made all the difference to market value and success. Solar notwithstanding, the Cleantech Top 100 also includes other Eastern German-based innovations such as organic LED. Located in Dresden, Novaled holds the world record for efficient lighting in ultraflat TVs and monitors. Further northwest in Hamburg, SkySails made the list thanks to modern shipping solutions that can reduce shipping fuel consumption by half.