The event marked the most successful show in 10 years, with over 6,500 companies from 65 countries displaying and sharing their innovative industry concepts. Over 230,000 visitors—an increase of 10-15 percent over the 2009 event—traversed the more than 30 halls, spanning 5.3 million square feet of exhibit space. (For comparison's sake, 2010's attendance numbers are not as relevant as 2009's, as the volcanic ash situation affected attendance last year.) Companies from a variety of industries and sectors, with energy, power plant, digital, vacuum, automation, and micro and nano technologies all represented.

To attendees, the continued growth of the event was a hopeful indicator for the global economy—a fitting theme historically speaking because it recalled the Messe’s original goal; the now-giant international trade show was originally established to help a war-ravaged Germany rebuild after World War II by promoting the export of German goods and services. “This year’s event in Hannover has given industry a real boost, powering it up to drive the economic recovery,” said Deutsche Messe Managing Board Chairman Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch. “This Hannover Messe has generated even more momentum for industry as the force behind the economic upswing.”

AWEA participated in the event as an exhibitor in the Wind Energy Hall alongside more than 260 other companies focused on wind power generation technology, components and services. Additionally, as both a visitor and a forum participant, AWEA efforts also served to represent the American wind power companies looking to export to European markets. 

One of the 60 sessions offered was a strategic dialogue on Investments in the Offshore Wind Industry, sponsored by the German state of Niedersachsen. The German-American expert panel featured AWEA Director of Business Development Jeff Anthony, who provided an overview of the state of offshore wind in the U.S., highlighting the vast offshore resources here, recent developments in federal siting and permitting guidelines, and the enormous potential for growth.

Several opportunities for European-American cooperative efforts were explored in this three-hour session.

“The offshore wind industry in the United States can certainly benefit from lessons learned by the European offshore wind industry,” Anthony said. “We intend to offer an exploratory session like this at the AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER 2011.” That event takes place Oct. 11-13 in Baltimore, Md. For more information, go to www.offshorewindexpo.org.