Climate change experts from Florida headed to Birmingham to exchange innovative ideas and share best practice on driving forward the low carbon economy on either side of the Atlantic.

A 25-strong delegation of leading Florida academics, research and development (R&D) experts and environmental policymakers met their UK counterparts at a one-day conference in Birmingham, hosted by law firm Martineau.

Clean energy issues under discussion included bioenergy, hydrogen, fuel cells, building technologies, solar power and ocean and marine energy.

The event was co-ordinated by Advantage West Midlands, the UK’s first regional development agency to produce a low carbon economic strategy, and Enterprise Florida Inc, a partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders, and the state’s principle economic development organisation.

Stephen Adams, head of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission, said: “The West Midlands is an exciting region within the UK due to the concentration of cutting-edge work on advanced energy technologies and other key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I’m honored to participate in the West Midlands/Florida climate change summit. The Florida delegation has much to learn and much to share with our colleagues in the West Midlands.”

Dr Simon Slater, head of sustainable development at Advantage West Midlands, said: “While no-one can predict the exact impact of climate change in years to come, the people and businesses of the West Midlands and Florida can play an important part in responding to this global challenge.

“It’s marvellous that some of the pioneering work by the region’s universities and the Advantage West Midlands Environment Technologies Cluster caught the attention of our colleagues in Florida. I’m sure that today’s conference will be start of a fruitful low carbon collaboration in years to come.

“The West Midlands is the home of the Industrial Revolution. One of the key challenges for Advantage West Midlands today is to build on those historic strengths of manufacturing and engineering and develop environmentally-friendly technologies and processes that will provide the low carbon solutions of tomorrow.”

Catherine Burke, partner at Martineau, said: “In the West Midlands, we have some of the leading academics in the field of climate change and innovative businesses, and the broader Midlands region is home to the Energy Technologies Institute.

“Collaboration and knowledge sharing with experts in Florida will be of mutual benefit and global advantage and we are delighted to have hosted this event.”

The Team Florida visit to Birmingham was part of a 10-day trade and development mission to the UK, France, Russia and Spain, led by Florida State Governor Charlie Grist.

Florida and the UK enjoy strong economic ties, with two-way merchandise trade valued at £1.42 billion, making the UK Florida’s 13th largest trading partner. The UK is ranked second in terms of foreign direct investment in Florida, totalling £2.02 billion in 2005.