The new German government taking shape. The personnel at the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is also changing. What will the focus of the ministry be? The power industry can anticipate the initial answers to these questions at Life needs Power, the energy forum at HANNOVER MESSE. Experts from the fields of business, research, and politics will discuss current energy policy framework, economic challenges, and technological solutions from April 23 to 27, 2018 (Hall 13, Stand D30).

Beyond Life needs Power, Energy 2018 is also sending clear energy policy signals. For example, on Tuesday during the trade show week, tours will be held of public services affiliated with the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU). Two days later, Energy will set up the framework for the delegate assembly of the German Wind Energy Association (BWE).

The first edition of Util:IT , a special showcase at Energy for the public utilities sector, is anticipated with great excitement. This group pavilion in Hall 13, right next to the energy forum Life Needs Power, is focusing on digitalizing electricity, gas, heating, and water. Visitors can learn more about modern IT and communications infrastructure, measuring, control, and regulation technology, and IT security. IoT, smart meters, data management, and billing are other keywords. “With this new area we are supporting utilities, public services, and system operators on their way to a digital future,” explains Benjamin Low, Global Director of Energy at HANNOVER MESSE. Util:IT partners are ZVEI (the German Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry) and the trade magazine 50,2. In addition to the group pavilion and an enlarged area with individual exhibitors, numerous talks on digitalization will be presented at the energy forum Life Needs Power.

Another highlight: On April 26, representatives of the Kopernikus consortium will present the interim results of their projects. In 2018, the first BMBF funding period ends for the Kopernikus projects, which run until 2025, that support new grid configurations, excess current, industrial processes, and system integration. Answers and new issues from the four Kopernikus topic areas will be discussed at the central forum of the Integrated Energy Plaza (Hall 27).

Smart Energy Showcases – Digital Agenda for the Energy Transition

Projects in the BMWi funding program Smart Energy Showcases – Digital Agenda for the Energy Transition (SINTEG) will also showcase their interim results at the Integrated Energy Plaza: Since 2016, large-scale showcase regions have been developing "scalable model solutions that can deliver a secure, efficient, and environmentally compatible energy supply with electricity being generated to a large extent from volatile sources such as wind or solar."

Among the exciting things on offer for the energy industry in Hall 27 are virtual power plants, the Electric Transportation Systems area with its focus on energy infrastructure for e-Mobility, and the group pavilion Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries. This hall’s international flair is enhanced by the foreign commerce platform Global Business & Markets, and the 2018 Partner Country Mexico’s main stand.