Seven companies are bidding for business on an Invest NI stand at the All-Energy 2009 show in Aberdeen this week.

A further four companies have also been assisted by the economic development agency to visit the event, the UK’s biggest renewable energy exhibition.

The two-day All-Energy exhibition and conference covers all sources of renewable energy and the policy, challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The event is expected to attract around 5,000 delegates and almost 400 companies and features national pavilions from Austria, Canada, Denmark, Flanders and Norway.

The Northern Ireland group is representative of the fast growing green technology sector and includes specialists in solar, marine, wind and biomass technologies.

The event highlights the latest trends and research on green energy sources including wind (onshore and offshore); wave and tidal; fuel cells and hydrogen; hydropower; low carbon buildings and microgeneration; biomass for heat and/or power; public sector renewable schemes; and sustainable transport.

The event also offers companies extensive access to export opportunities.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s trade director, said: “As our participation at All-Energy demonstrates, Northern Ireland has a developing cluster of smaller companies in particular now focusing on green technology products and expert services, a business opportunity that is growing rapidly and will continue to gather momentum.

“All-Energy offers a one-stop shop for companies eager to find out about the latest state of play on virtually all elements of renewable and sustainable energy.

“The associated conference will provide an important insight for companies on future technologies and opportunities for their knowledge and expertise.”

Hundreds of exhibiting companies from a dozen countries are involved in the exhibition and conference.