February 24, 2026
- Messe Friedrichshafen goes online with 5.5 megawatt peak
- Milestone for sustainable energy supply in the city and region
Friedrichshafen – Messe Friedrichshafen has officially put one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic projects in the Lake Constance region into operation. In recent months, a photovoltaic system with a total capacity of 5.5 megawatts peak has been installed on the roofs of ten exhibition halls. In the future, the trade fair will generate a large part of its electricity requirements itself and feed surplus energy into the regional grid as green electricity. The facility was officially inaugurated on February 24, 2026, on the trade fair roofs at the Friedrichshafen location in the presence of representatives from politics and business.
"With the commissioning of our 5.5-megawatt-peak PV system, Messe Friedrichshafen is literally going online. Together with strong technology partners from the region, we are sending a clear signal for on-site power generation, high energy self-sufficiency and sustainable management," says Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. "The project is a central pillar of our sustainability strategy and at the same time supports the climate targets of the city of Friedrichshafen by reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 2,735 tons."
Technology, dimensions and regional integration
The new photovoltaic system covers an area of around 25,000 square meters, comprises approximately 12,400 modules and achieves a total output of 5.5 MWp. In addition, a battery capacity of 2.2 MWh was installed. The solar power generated is primarily used on the exhibition grounds; any surplus energy is fed into the regional grid.
"From a technical perspective, it is a high-performance system that covers a substantial share of the trade fair's own electricity demand. We are very proud that we were able to meet the ambitious construction schedule and complete the project for the planned 7.5 million euros, which is around ten percent below the original budget," explains Roman Bodenmüller, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen Energie Projektgesellschaft mbH. "In parallel with ongoing event operations, everyone involved worked together with great dedication, and at every stage you could sense the enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to this major project. The result clearly demonstrates how professionally and efficiently large‑scale projects can be delivered at this location."
Green electricity for trade fair, city and region
The city of Friedrichshafen also acknowledges the project as an important stimulus for the region. "This installation has been intentionally designed to be significantly larger than what the trade fair would require on its own. Two thirds of the green power generated is supplied by the trade fair to the city and the wider region, making a direct contribution to our climate goals," says Simon Blümcke, First Mayor of the City of Friedrichshafen.
Strong project partners from the region
The photovoltaic rooftop system was implemented together with experienced project partners from the region. The planning services were provided by the Kienle engineering office from Ostrach, while the Gramm company from the immediate vicinity of the trade fair in Friedrichshafen was responsible for the roof upgrading. Overall responsibility for the project execution lay with the Reimer Elektrotechnik company from Neu-Ulm.
Zeppelin Power Systems is also involved as an expert and partner for energy solutions. “We are delighted to be part of this milestone project as a technology partner. With our expertise in the digital integration of energy systems, we are making an important contribution to the efficient operation of the plant and a resilient power supply,” says Matthias Benz, Chairman of the Managing Board of the Zeppelin Group. Werner Engl, Director Sales at Zeppelin Power Systems, adds: “With the help of our digital solution, our customers can network their machines, plants, and engines, collect relevant data in real time, and keep an eye on everything at all times. It also offers decisive advantages for this forward-looking project: energy consumption can be tracked transparently, the condition of the battery storage can be monitored, and service intervals can be identified and planned at an early stage.”
With the new photovoltaic rooftop system, Messe Friedrichshafen is consistently advancing its sustainable development and positioning itself as an efficient, future-proof location – equally for events, business and energy supply.
For more information visit: www.messe-friedrichshafen.com, Facebook or Instagram.
Press contact:
Frank Gauß, Head of Communications and Press Officer
Phone: +49 7541 708-310
E-mail: frank.gauss@messe-fn.de
About Messe Friedrichshafen
Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany's leading trade fair companies and is based on Lake Constance at the nexus of four different countries. Founded in 1950 to promote the region's economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade fairs. Congresses, corporate and sporting events as well as TV productions and live concerts complement the broad portfolio. Every year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. A total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space spread over twelve exhibition halls and two multipurpose foyers as well as the two open spaces in the inner courtyard of 15,500 m² and the static display of 20,000 m² offer unique possibilities for eventful trade fair days. The compact exhibition grounds with its own lake in the immediate vicinity of the airport as well as halls with hangar doors allow for a wide variety of potential uses.
About Zeppelin Power Systems:
Zeppelin Power Systems is one of the leading providers of propulsion and energy. The company is part of the internationally successful Zeppelin Group. Zeppelin is represented in 29 countries worldwide with over 12,000 employees. In the 2024 financial year, Zeppelin generated revenue of EUR 3.8 billion. With a completed acquisition in 2025, revenue will increase to over EUR 5 billion. Zeppelin Power Systems has been the exclusive sales and service partner for Caterpillar engines since 1954. More than 2,000 qualified employees offer customizable, highly efficient and durable system solutions and comprehensive services for industrial and marine applications, the oil and gas industry, rail vehicles and power and heat generation. Digital products, system components and ready-made solutions for the treatment of ballast water complete the portfolio.
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