The Hannover Messe trade show provides a great opportunity to meet with customers in Europe that we don't typically get to visit on a regular basis. - Ken Burtt, VP, Sales & Marketing, Dexmet Corporation
East Hartford, CT (PRWEB) April 23, 2014
The Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC) and the Connecticut Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition (CHFCC), both administered by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), partnered with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to showcase the region’s hydrogen and fuel cell capabilities at Hannover Messe 2014, the leading international trade show for industrial technology innovations held in Hannover, Germany on April 7-11.
“We have a better understanding of the market opportunities here in Europe, and especially in Germany,” commented Trent Molter, president and CEO, Sustainable Innovations, LLC of East Hartford. “This show has given us access to an expansive global market.”
DECD and members of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the region, including Precision Combustion, Inc., Dexmet Corporation, Sustainable Innovations, ClearEdge Power, Advent Technologies, Giner Inc., Nuvera Fuel Cells, Engineered Fibers Technology, LLC, and Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc., were part of the Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries at Hannover Messe.
With grants from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, funding was available to eligible Connecticut companies to support their participation in the Hannover Messe trade show. SBA provides general funding and support for NEESC.
“This was a very exciting trade event for us. Connecticut, by far, had the best representation of any other state with nine companies in attendance, demonstrating the state’s strong leadership in green technology, especially in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry,” said Ron Angelo, deputy commissioner, DECD. “The trip proved to be a great opportunity to showcase all of Connecticut’s strengths and capabilities and to attract more investment from international companies looking to expand their reach.”
Commented Anthony Anderson, director, marketing and business development, Precision Combustion, Inc., “The support we received from the state of Connecticut to help us attend this show has been tremendous. We expect this effort to lead to increased sales and exports.”
According to ClearEdge Power, the value of the show is in reaching the extensive international market. “We have met many people that are very interested in either our 5Kw or 400Kw fuel cell systems,” said Zakiul Kabir, chief technology officer, ClearEdge Power. “Germany and other European countries have established aggressive goals for renewable energy. Our fuel cells can help them meet those goals for clean and reliable energy.”
“The exhibit at Hannover Messe is the result of a strong collaboration between NEESC, the CHFCC, and DECD,” stated Joel Rinebold, director, energy initiative, CCAT. “By participating in this major international event, we are helping hydrogen and fuel cell companies reach new markets, increase revenues, and boost the regional economy.”
The Northeast is home to current world leaders in the research, design, and manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The industry supply chain includes nearly 1,200 companies involved in the manufacture, development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell products. In 2012, the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain had a significant economic impact contributing nearly $1.1 billion and more than 5,700 jobs to the region.
About NEESC
The Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster is a network of industry, academic, government and non-governmental leaders working together to provide energy storage solutions. The cluster is focused on the innovative development, production, promotion and deployment of hydrogen fuels and fuel cells to meet the pressing demand for energy storage solutions. The cluster is based in New York, New Jersey, and the New England States. Its initial formation and development is funded through the US Small Business Administration’s Innovative Economies Initiative and administered by CCAT.
About CHFCC
The Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, administered by CCAT, is comprised of representatives from Connecticut’s fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor, academia, government, and other stakeholders. CCAT and the CHFCC work to enhance economic growth in Connecticut through the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and associated fueling systems. The CHFCC is funded by the Connecticut DECD.
About CCAT
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a unique economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., leads partnerships between industry, academia and government, creating a collaborative framework for tackling today’s economic challenges. CCAT combines expertise in cutting-edge manufacturing and information technology with specialized centers of excellence in education and workforce development and alternative energy solutions to help organizations increase efficiencies, compete and succeed.
