The Australian Wind Energy 2024 Convention and Exhibition (AuWE2024) took place last week with numerous crane companies, lifting gear providers and energy and infrastructure companies showcasing their latest products and services to a packed Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC),
Compared with last year’s event, the exhibition space had doubled, and attendee numbers topped 5000, ensuring the two-day convention is recognised as the largest wind event in Australia and the APAC region.
Immediately upon entry, visitors and delegates were exposed to over 100 exhibiting companies including leading crane rental and hire companies such as Boom Logistics and JYC, crane OEM’s including XCMG and associated equipment suppliers including Ranger Lifting along with numerous energy and other infrastructure brands.
The exhibition floor was packed with exhibits offering various product samples, dioramas of wind turbines being moved by trucks and specialised trailers through to specialised oil filters; the event had it all.
Networking was a key objective for the event with exhibitors interacting with delegates and each other discussing all things wind related.
Image: Prime Creative Media
Key features of AuWE2024 included:
- Cutting-edge insights: Attendees immersed themselves in the pulse of sustainable energy as they explored Australia’s wind power roadmap, offshore wind deployment, investment and the latest technical innovations.
- Innovation Showcase: Unpacking the AuWE2024 Exhibition, where the latest advancements took centre stage, showcasing the future of wind energy.
- Unparalleled Networking: Attendees were able to connect with representatives from Australia’s federal and state governments, domestic and international investors, developers, network providers, financiers, EPCs, and world class equipment suppliers and solution providers.
- Synergistic Opportunities: Co-located with Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC 2025, the event fostered powerful synergies between two leading sustainable energy gatherings.
XCMG experience at AuWE2024
General Manager of XCGM Australia and New Zealand, Stephen Broomfield spoke about the benefits of exhibiting and attending AuWE2024.
“We came here specifically to tell the Wind Industry that, yes, we design, engineer and manufacture cranes specifically for wind farms which can lift 200 tonne and reach 200m and they can be ordered today,” he said.
“The decision to exhibit at AuWE2024 was educated, calculated and commercially focused. We know the industry is going to need cranes to lift the blades and turbines. It turns out that every visitor to the stand had the same question, ‘Can you lift 200t and reach 200m? And our answer was “We are doing it every day in China and other parts of the world.”
A further look around.
The BOOM Logistics ‘coffee networking station’ provided an ideal destination for exhibitors and delegates and there were plenty of conversations promoting renewable energy promoting discussion about how critical it is for the various industries involved to bring their ‘A Game’ to the table if the ambitious renewable targets to achieved.
Image: Prime Creative Media
The panel discussions
Image: Prime Creative Media
When asked about the importance of crane and lifting technologies, in relation to hydrogen energy goals.
Andrew McCluskey, Executive General Manager Hydrogen Siemens Ltd AU NZ had this to say.
“From our perspective, there are issues that need to be addressed relating to the transportation, lifting and construction of this infrastructure particularly when it comes to offshore wind farms,” said Andrew.
Panellists from a wide range of companies involved in the construction and maintenance of wind farms addressed the uncertainty around the viability of offshore wind farms.
After two days of constructive industry conversation, if there is one ‘take out’ from AuWE2024, it is that the numerous industries have significant roles to play as the Wind Energy Industry continues to emerge as an alternative and sustainable energy supplier, and there needs to be a coordinated approach from all stakeholders to ensure this important energy transition is as seamless as possible.