This years trade fair is bigger and better than previous years, with about 133 companies being represented, compared to 100 last year. There is a strong turnout from across the globe, although German companies feature prominently (70 German companies, 19 US, 7 Italian, with the other countries represented by 1-3 organizations).
Looking to the stands, application representation for this year is more evenly distributed, except for the automotive stands which remain decidedly European. Out on the floor the hydrogen and fuel cell exhibitors are classified together in the Energy hall, next to other sectors such as renewable energy, and large integrated multinational suppliers.
This is one of the strengths of the Hanover Fair – the setup means that there is a steady stream of non-fuel cell industry suppliers and consumers, who have frequently heard of fuel cells but who have not had much direct contact with the industry before. Exhibitors have a small stage on which they publicise their works, emphasising the industrial nature of the fair. The exhibition room has plenty of space for interaction between exhibitors, and that has made the meeting places busy.
Linde, the largest producer of industrial gases in the world came up first. For some years now, Linde has been a regular participant. Linde’s main interest is in hydrogen supply for industrial use, but they are highly involved in supplying the transportation sector. Linde is heavily involved in current efforts to develop hydrogen refueling stations for demonstration projects around the world, and have two refueling stations in Berlin amongst others. Linde operates the world’s only mobile hydrogen refueling station.
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