Hanover (dpa / d.de) – The world’s largest mechanical and electrical engineering fair is beginning in Hanover. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the prime minister of this year’s partner country Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, officially opened the 77th Hannover Messe with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Under the slogan “Energizing a Sustainable Industry”, around 4,000 companies in mechanical engineering, the electrical and digital industry and the energy sector are presenting solutions for efficient and sustainable industry. Artificial intelligence, climate-friendly production, solutions for the energy transition and hydrogen as an energy carrier will take centre stage at the industry trade fair. The exhibitors from 60 countries include many major international corporations, but also SMEs and more than 300 start-ups. More than 500 exhibitors are focusing on the subject of hydrogen.