A new photovoltaic system has gone into operation on seven of Messe Düsseldorf’s hall roofs. Developed together with partners Schoenergie and Stadtwerke Trier, the system will generate renewable electricity for trade fair operations: in total, around 15 to 18 percent of the site’s electricity needs can be covered by solar power in the future.
On 79,000 sq m of roof space across Halls 4, 5, 8a, 8b, 10, 11 and 12 at Messe Düsseldorf, a new photovoltaic system has gone into operation. With around 12,000 solar modules and an output of roughly 5.5 megawatt peak, the new system is among the largest rooftop installations in the Düsseldorf city area and complements the existing solar power generation on the exhibition grounds. In the future, Messe Düsseldorf will cover around 15 to 18 percent of its electricity needs through solar power generated on site.
Leading trade fairs
“As an international trade fair hub, we are continuously developing our site. Using our hall roofs to generate renewable energy is a key building block of this long-term strategy. Together with our partners, we combine a modern energy supply with sound economic principles and create added value for Messe Düsseldorf,“ says Bernhard Stempfle, CFO & CTO of Messe Düsseldorf.
The project was realized together with partners Schoenergie and Stadtwerke Trier, who built the photovoltaic system on the hall roofs and will operate it, under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Messe Düsseldorf provides the roof areas and purchases the electricity generated long-term at contractually agreed terms. Electricity not used on site is fed into the public grid.
“This project shows what is possible when everyone involved works together as partners. The photovoltaic system on the roofs of Messe Düsseldorf is the largest rooftop installation we have realized to date. Despite demanding conditions – from tight construction windows and high requirements for fire and lightning protection to ongoing trade fair operations – we have, together with Messe Düsseldorf and the grid operators, implemented a future-proof solution for a sustainable energy supply,“ says Gerd Schöller, CEO of Schoenergie.
“Power Purchase Agreements provide long-term planning certainty for companies while supporting the further expansion of renewable energy. The Messe Düsseldorf project shows how economic interests and a sustainable energy supply can be successfully combined,“ adds Marc Bonertz, Head of Sales at Stadtwerke Trier.
The project gives Messe Düsseldorf’s hall roofs a dual purpose: they serve both as the infrastructure for international trade fairs and events and as a source of renewable energy. Together with Schoenergie and Stadtwerke Trier, Messe Düsseldorf has established a partnership model that combines long-term planning certainty with a modern, sustainable energy supply.
Messe Düsseldorf is among the most successful trade fair companies worldwide. It hosts around 40 trade fairs including 20 leading international trade fairs at its 613,000sqm exhibition center. In the 18 halls the international market leaders and top decision-makers of various sectors get together every year in order to present and discover innovations, to exchange and network.
