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.