Summing up the HUSUM Wind 2017.

HUSUM Wind was once again the home of the wind industry for a week. Visitors and exhibitors discussed technical innovations and political conditions, made new contacts and filled their order books. They made a positive assessment of the exhibition week, which once again underscored the diversity and dynamics of the German market.

A total of around 700 exhibitors from Germany and 25 other countries came together in Husum. Despite the turbulent course of the fair, visitor figures remain stable compared with 2015. The appreciation shown by the foreign exhibitor and visitors who showed such interest in the know-how available in the German wind market was also very satisfying.

Many discussions emphasised the importance of reliable framework conditions and a clear commitment by the government to a growth course in the wind sector and a transition of the energy system to 100 per cent renewable energy. HUSUM Wind clearly showed that the wind industry is a motor for German industry that is highly relevant with regard to future-oriented jobs and Germany in general as an export nation. This year’s focus themes of sector coupling and offshore wind in particular rang in the next level of the energy transition at HUSUM Wind.

Trade fair attendees demonstrated how strong their nerves were and how the wind industry sticks together during Storm Sebastian, which made it necessary to evacuate Halls 1 – 4 on Wednesday afternoon. In the rest of the show area the day continued with plenty of networking at various stand parties, and the trade fair continued as planned on Thursday.

Peter Becker, managing director of Messe Husum & Congress summed up: “The trade fair could not have been more turbulent, but also not more successful. Numerous major industry players and also young, innovative enterprises were able to conclude numerous business deals and establish valuable contacts in Husum. And the wind industry impressively demonstrated how the wind industry sticks together, true to our motto We are Wind.”

“HUSUM Wind is an exhibition of technologies like efficiency, digitalisation and sector coupling. But it also shows what the top energy transition resource can do for climate protection and what framework it needs to be able to do this. For the industry, it was extremely important to have the fair at this moment in time. Now it is up to the next federal government to make the most of the opportunities offered by dramatic cost reduction and outstanding innovation”, said Matthias Zelinger, managing director of VDMA Power Systems and energy spokesman for VDMA.

Hermann Albers, president of the German Wind Energy Association, also emphasised the importance of the trade fair for the industry: “In turbulent times Husum was once again the industry meeting place. We are looking ahead, despite the problematical impacts of the tendering system. The innovations showcased here highlight that the industry faces up to the market and continues to reduce costs. This market has to be designed as a fair and equitable platform for all players, the foundation of which must be the pricing of climate-damaging CO2. The onus is now on the government to create this foundation. We believe that we can build on this to create a good basis for economy-oriented concepts that will open up economic opportunities for our member enterprises.”

Sascha Wiesner, from the Schleswig-Holstein Renewable Energy Network Agency (EE.SH), said: “The wind energy market needs innovations and solutions, if it is to survive in the future. This is why comparing notes at such events as HUSUM Wind are essential. There is no wind trade fair as practice oriented as the one in Husum. And where else could that be possible than in Schleswig-Holstein – the cradle of the wind industry.”

The next HUSUM Wind will take place from 10 to 13 September 2019.