In his first overseas trip as governor, Chet Culver will have an audience representing 42 countries when he speaks at Europe’s largest wind-energy trade show next week.

Culver leaves tomorrow for a weeklong trip with stops in Germany, Denmark and Spain to promote Iowa’s renewable energy industries. In addition to speaking at the opening of the Husum Wind Show in Germany, Culver will be the only U.S. elected official to participate in a panel discussion during the “American Wind Power Market – Great Opportunities and Prospects” meeting at the conference.

During the week, Culver will also visit officials from Siemens AG at the company’s headquarters in Brande, Denmark. Siemens last month shipped its first wind turbine blade from its new production plant in Fort Madison. He will also meet with representatives of Acciona Energy at the company’s Madrid, Spain, headquarters and tour its energy control center in Pamplona. Acciona is building its first U.S. wind turbine production plant in West Branch, which is expected to turn out 250 wind turbines next year.

“I’m interested to learn how my counterparts in other countries are harnessing renewable energy and excited to inform those in the European renewable energy industry about Iowa’s leadership in biofuels, biomass, cellulosic ethanol and wind,” Culver said in a release. “European wind energy companies like Siemens and Acciona have chosen to make Iowa their North American base, and brought with them quality jobs. We must continue to attract companies overseas to Iowa, and as governor I will do everything I can to keep the momentum going.”