As the leading trade fair for professionals from the decentralized energy supply sector, EnergyDecentral 2018 will once again provide an international technical program with forums, specials features and information on topical themes in the fields of biogas, biogenic solid fuels, combined heat and power (CHP) motor systems, wind power, solar energy and smart energy.

About 300 exhibitors will present the latest trends and international developments related to the decentralized supply of electricity and heat at the event, which is integrated with EuroTier, the world's leading animal husbandry exhibition. “EnergyDecentral has clear synergies with EuroTier,” said project manager, Marcus Vagt of DLG (German Agricultural Society). “Livestock waste is a valuable feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants, and the technologies used for grinding, mixing and dosing substrates used in animal nutrition and bioenergy are similar. The transport systems for liquids and solids used and produced by both are also the same.

“The drying and storage of materials used in decentralized energy production and livestock production is another common feature and, in the end, the control and monitoring systems used to monitor all the processes in both sectors have much in common,” added Vagt. “As consumers of both heat and electricity, it is not surprising that livestock farmers have embraced energy production systems to use in their own businesses, with any surplus being sold and exported to the power networks.”

Groundbreaking, innovative developments from the energy industry can once again receive an "EnergyDecentral" innovation medal this year. The awards will be decided by an independent commission of recognized experts, and the medals will be presented during the trade fair.

Solar, wind and storage systems – renewable energies in use

Special features taking place at EnergyDecentral this year include a detailed look at newly emerging energy storage systems. Photovoltaic systems that simply export electricity to power networks are becoming obsolete, as modern all-in systems that cover a large part of the farm's power requirements gain traction. These advanced systems fill electricity storage facilities or charge electric vehicles and satisfy the original vision of decentralized energy. EnergyDecentral, visitors will be able to join a DLG presenter in a live show as they explain the possibilities for this type of on-farm, showing the necessary grid technology and connection to the farm electricity circuit, right through to and electric vehicle charging station and the electrically powered vehicles.

Biogenic solid fuels – wood and stalk-type biomass

A special outdoor feature this year will focus on biogenic solid fuels, which are becoming increasingly significant as a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Alongside logs, wood chips, wood shavings, sawdust and sanding flour, straw and other stalk materials are also now being used to produce energy. For instance, the use of stalk biomass in heating plants can represent a cost-efficient alternative for local heat supply to villages and towns.

The special feature at EnergyDecentral will include machinery for harvesting and processing timber, straw and short-rotation wood in an attractive live demonstration. One hectare of woodland can produce energy equivalent to about 5,000 liters of heating oil year-after-year, so it is not surprising that farmers with existing woodland, or poorer land that could be cultivated for biomass, are interested in exploring the possibilities.

Biogenic solid fuels will also be the focus of the "European Bioenergy Future" (EBF) international congress. Arranged by Bioenergy Europe (formerly AEBIOM), the event is taking place at EnergyDecentral for the first time this year.

The changing market for biogas

Following its successful premiere at EnergyDecentral 2016, the Biogas Convention will return to Hanover's Exhibition Grounds this year. Arranged by the Biogas Association, the event is the world's largest meeting place for the biogas sector. Numerous national and international sessions at the conference will present valuable information on economic considerations and technology trends to biogas plant operators, and others interested in the sector, from both Germany and overseas.

The biogas sector has changed substantially in recent years. Alongside sales of electricity, additional sources of income are emerging through new strategies for needs-oriented provision of electricity. The ways in which the biogas market is developing will be discussed at the Biogas Convention.

Energy Decentral forum events

There will be further technical highlights in the field of biogas in this year's DLG Forum Events. “Straw fermentation” will be discussed in detail, while other topics include: “Post EEG (German Renewable Energy Act)”, “The filling station of the future”, "Small manure-fed anaerobic digestion plants" and "Biofuels in agriculture and forestry".

Another topic under discussion will be predictive maintenance of combined heat and power (CHP) motor systems. Using sensors to monitor machines so that issues can be identified before they break down is becoming ever more important in the decentralized energy supply to keep downtime to a minimum, so predictive maintenance is becoming a priority technical area for all CHP operators.

Campus & Career

Of course, decentralized energy creates new employment opportunities in rural communities, and the new career paths that have been created will be highlighted in the Campus & Career area at EuroTier/EnergyDecentral 2018. This provides a platform for young people embarking on a career, and those who are seeking further career development, with the information they need to take their next step. First-hand information will be available on career opportunities in all areas of agribusiness. Higher education institutes will also be on site, showcasing their current research projects involving decentralized energy production.

Groundbreaking, innovative developments in the energy industry can once again receive an "EnergyDecentral" innovation medal this year. The awards are decided by an independent commission of recognized experts, and the medals will be presented during the trade fair.

Hanover's Exhibition Grounds will host EnergyDecentral and EuroTier from 13-16 November 2018. More information for visitors and exhibitors can be found online at: www.energy-decentral.com and www.eurotier.com