What exactly is the All Electric Society?

Koschnick: Gunther Koschnick: The aim of the 'All Electric Society Arena' is to discuss the possibilities of an energy supply based essentially on renewable energies and to make them tangible in practice. The concept is based on a holistic view that includes the generation, conversion, transportation and consumption of energy for private and industrial use and is therefore the link between the electrical and digital industries. With the Arena, we want to show at the world's leading trade fair for the industry how we as a society can use technology to follow this path. The energy supply of a society should be largely based on renewably generated electrical energy. Not only the direct electrification of technologies and processes, but also sector coupling and intelligent storage technologies such as hydrogen, power-to-X technologies, batteries and heat utilization play an important role in this. This makes the All Electric Society the energy efficiency scenario of a climate-neutral and technology-open industrial society.

Why is the AES gaining in importance right now?

Koschnick : The past few years in particular have shown us in many ways that we need a new perspective on the generation and use of energy. Innovation and digitalization are the main drivers for an electric future. The electrical and digital industry is actively shaping this change and is the key lever for transforming our industry. Energy efficiency in production, the development of environmentally friendly products, we need to develop everywhere and improve our carbon footprint.

What challenges are associated with this - technologically and in terms of standardization and implementation?

Koschnick: In order to achieve the goal of a fully electric future, we need to optimize production and develop smart products and services. For example, the implementation of Manufacturing-X represents a turning point in the production landscape. In order to implement this, we need clear standards for cross-sector cooperation. We need to make electricity the most attractive energy source. Europe must become the lead market for transformation technologies. The complex regulatory framework for companies must be simplified, we must create a uniform regulatory approach and prevent national solo efforts.

The ZVEI organized the 'All Electric Society Arena' at the Hannover Messe for the first time. How did this come about?

Koschnick: We are increasingly hearing voices in Germany that doubt the feasibility of the energy transition. With the All Electric Society Arena, we want to counter this and show that we can achieve the energy transition - together with numerous partners such as DKE, Eaton, Finder, Harting, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Wöhner and Deutsche Messe AG.

What can trade fair visitors expect in the 'All Electric Society Arena' in Hall 11?

Koschnick: Experts from the industry, science and politics will shed light on how the future will be electric in a diverse program of presentations. The highlight of the arena will be daily presentations and discussions with top representatives from the industry, science and politics. We look forward to welcoming ZVEI board members such as Barbara Frei, Doris Höpfl, Frank Stührenberg, Rainer Brehm, Gunther Kegel and, from the world of politics, State Secretaries Stefan Wenzel and Udo Philipp, the Hessian Minister for Digitalization and Innovation, Kristina Sinemus and Kerstin Jorna from the European Commission, as well as many other people from politics and society, to our stage. The arena is directly connected to the ZVEI stand and is an integral part of daily themed guided tours.

ZVEI at the Hannover Messe 2024: Hall 11, Stand C53