Constructionshows
Energy revolution was the main theme of the exhibition
The 56th edition of NordBau in Neumünster ended on Tuesday (13.09.211), after six successful days and a significant increase in visitor numbers. The north German exhibition was attended by 74.700 professionals and visitors. “This was especially due to the “long Friday”, premiering this year”, as by rejoicing managing director of Hallenbetriebe Neumünster, Dirk Iwersen, at the closing of the construction specialized fair.
On about 69.000 square meters in the outdoor area and 20.000 square meters of hall space, the Northern Europe’s largest construction exhibition proved again as an important market place for discussions and contacts. Many exhibitors also commended the expert talks with partners in the construction industry, often leading to new business developments or even acquisitions. There were also a remarkably increasing number of visitors and guests from Northern Europe and the bordering states of Schleswig-Holstein, finding their way to Neumünster. This includes also high-ranking politicians, such as the construction minister from Kaliningrad, Evgenij M. Morosow, taking information over two days on modern materials and construction machinery. The reason, according to his statement, was the starting upturn of construction industry in the Region of Kaliningrad.
The energy revolution in Germany was promoted as the main theme of the NordBau 2011 exhibition. Peter Harry Carstensen, the Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, made a clear cut already on the opening day that the big target in the region was to promote development of electricity networks. This was also stressed by Matthias Boxberger, executive of the E.ON Hanse AG. He and the Prime Minister agreed that the pace in realization of this project must increase. Schleswig-Holstein intends, after all, to provide by 2020 ten percent of Germany’s needs from renewable energy sources. Therefore, a network expansion would be vital. A total of several hundred kilometers of new lines are needed. For Carstensen this major construction project is a “heaven sent” to the State’s economy.
Jost de Jager, the Schleswig-Holstein Minister of Economy, Science and Transportation, similarly referred to the specialized journalists, on the probably largest transportation structure project in Germany, the 18 kilometer long Fehman Belt fixed link. The plan approval process for the immersed tunnel should be completed by 2012. According to Jager, the target for opening the crossing is 2020. Up to this point also the transport links on the German side should be completed. Continuing construction of the A20 is another important road construction project in the state. The construction plan for all phases of the project should be available by 2012.
These construction projects – the minister is certain – will strengthen the North German construction industry. It is the medium sized businesses sector to especially benefit. According to Iwersen, “These Projects will reflect at NordBau also in the coming years”. The fair manager quoted in this context also the theme of the fair, “Energy revolution”, well prepared for the visitors by both organizers and exhibitors. Iwersen: “This was particularly evident through the construction machines presentation, which this year was nationwide visible at this extension only in Neumünster. Implementation of emission standards was number one topic at the stands. Mostly challenged are the engine manufacturers, already targeting solutions for emission levels Tier4 interim and Tier4 final.
Energy efficiency and sustainability also were a topic for the exhibitors of building materials and heating systems, mostly attracting private developers. According to Iwersen, properly insulation and renovating continue to be main topics fort the future at NordBau. “The whole thing is supported by the Energy Efficiency Center Schleswig-Holstein, consulting throughout the year on the premises of Holstenhallen – a small NordBau about energy”.
Other highlights of Nordbau 2011 were, once again, the numerous symposiums and special topics, attended by more than 3700 participants. The date of the next NordBau – the organizers are already certain about – was already added by many exhibitors and visitors to their fairs agenda: the 57th specialized fair takes place from the 6th to the 11thSeptember, 2012.
Source: www.nordbau.de – translation by Ioana Giurgiuman
