Flying the wind flag alone -- Hannover trade fair

It was the absence of wind power companies that was the most notable feature for wind industry observers at this year's industry trade fair in Hannover, Germany, running from April 11-15. Only Enercon and Vestas put on major exhibits to promote wind power alongside the likes of energy majors like E.ON and EnBW. Long gone are the days when part of the fair was a battlefield for wind companies vying to make an impact. These days the industry is split over how best to spread its resources over the three major wind industry events offered in Germany every two years in Hannover, Husum, and Hamburg.

Significant

"The Hannover trade fair is of overriding significance for us," says Enercon's Hans-Dieter Kettwig. "As the biggest and most important industry trade fair worldwide it offers exactly the right environment for a fitting presentation of wind energy." Enercon displayed part of the ring generator for its huge 4.5 MW prototype wind turbine as well as a blade for its 800 kW machine. Vestas lined one edge of its large stand with a 39 metre blade, normally for its 2 MW machine. Visitors flocked to view the impressive hardware.

Meanwhile, Spain's Gamesa put in a modest appearance, along with several other wind development and investment companies such as WPD and GHF Financing. Germany's federal wind association, the Bundesverband Windenergie and energy agency Deutsche Energie Agentur were also present.