Credit Hamburg Messe und Congress Michael Zapf
From 25 to 28 September some 35,000 wind energy experts from all over the world gather at the Global Wind Summit event in Hamburg to share ideas, experiences and discuss future developments and requirements. It houses two wind energy events; WindEurope’s global on & offshore conference and WindEnergy Hamburg, the world’s leading wind energy expo, and the Dutch will be presenting themselves at both events.
Dutch Village
Dutch companies can be found in all parts of the exhibition floor. While the likes of Van Oord, Boskalis, Damen and Ampelmann Operations exhibit in the offshore section, hall B3 and B4, those who are active in both onshore and offshore wind will more likely be exhibiting in hall B7. And this is where the Dutch Village can be found. The Dutch Village was initiated in 2017 by the Netherlands Wind Energy Association, NWEA, with support of the Dutch oil and gas and offshore renewables association, IRO, and Netherlands Maritime Technology. These industry associations figured that it made more sense to join forces. With over 700 members combined, they would be more capable of reaching the full wind sector and represent the Dutch wind industry internationally.
It is the second time the Dutch Village is taking part at an international exhibition, following its introduction at WindEurope in November 2017. At the moment 38 participants have signed up, including (co)exhibitors, sponsors and media partners. Mrs Danielle Veldman, CRM & Events Manager at NWEA, tells: ‘What I am thrilled about especially, is the variety in participants. Dutch Village represents all kinds of suppliers and service providers, as well as knowledge centres, but also a large turbine manufacturer.’ The offshore offering is slightly leading. ‘That makes sense’, she explains, ‘we will see a lot of activities offshore over the coming years in the Netherlands, but also abroad. Traditionally, our offshore companies have always had a strong competitive edge on the world stage resulting in a larger interest in the international market than onshore companies, who initially focus more on national and regional markets.
Where do you see opportunities for the Dutch market? ‘Joining forces’, Veldman replies, ‘we have a very strong supply chain and if both large and small companies unite forces, there is a lot to gain out of that. More people simply make more noise! The Dutch Village is a perfect platform to carry that vision.’ However, while many Dutch wind professionals are setting foot on the international stage, so are more and more international companies entering the Dutch market. Veldman elaborates: ‘With the development of large-scale wind projects, it is inevitable that new international players enter the Dutch market. That’s what we have to take into consideration with the upcoming tenders, especially for offshore wind projects.’ Whilst the majority of companies participating in Dutch Village is Dutch, it is not a prerequisite that the company has a Dutch office address. ‘Companies who are active on the Dutch market and want to explore the possibilities to expand their business in the Netherlands are also welcome. We are talking about the energy transition but within the Dutch wind energy industry there is also a transition ongoing, that of opening borders and internationalisation. This is also a message that Dutch Village wishes to reflect.’ The organisation has the ambition to expand the brand over the coming years, participating at many more international shows. The Dutch Village is found in hall B7.
Pick up your copy of Wind Energy Magazine at the Dutch Village!
