Koelnmesse is taking a further step towards climate-friendly trade fair operations by deploying forklifts powered exclusively by green hydrogen. The fuel cell technology operates locally emission-free, producing only water vapour during use. The hydrogen itself is generated via electrolysis using renewable electricity, ensuring that no CO₂ emissions are produced during fuel generation.
“We are proud to take another important step towards sustainability and climate neutrality in trade fair operations by using fuel cell technology and green hydrogen,” says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “Many of the measures that secure the sustainable future of our industry take place behind the scenes – and this is exactly where we are driving innovation.”
The fleet is operated by global transport and logistics company DSV at Germany’s third-largest exhibition centre. Together with Koelnmesse and JA Gastechnology GmbH, an on-site hydrogen filling station has been installed directly on the premises. Sustainable hydrogen is supplied by Tyczka. Short refuelling times, high availability and consistent performance make the technology particularly suitable for the intensive set-up and dismantling phases of major trade fairs.
Looking ahead, Koelnmesse plans to further integrate its photovoltaic systems. Surplus solar power could be converted into hydrogen on site, creating a closed-loop sustainable energy cycle for logistics operations at the exhibition grounds.
Read more about sustainability projects at Koelnmesse here.