E-world energy & water 2026 has opened at Messe Essen with record participation, hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors from Germany and abroad.
The 15 per cent increase in
exhibitors compared with last year highlights the event’s position within the
European energy sector.
Expanded hall occupancy includes the
first-time use of Hall 6 and Entrance Mitte.
More than 30 per cent of exhibitors
come from outside Germany, reflecting the fair’s growing international reach.
Exhibitors are
presenting solutions across the energy value chain, including generation,
trading and sales, grids and infrastructure, metering systems, artificial
intelligence, digital platforms, hydrogen, storage, electromobility, energy
efficiency and climate protection.
Start-ups and young
companies are featured prominently, with the “Innovation” area in Hall 4
expanding by around 40 per cent.
The supporting
programme includes four expert forums: the Change Forum, New Energy Systems
Forum, Future Forum and Climate Solutions Forum.
Additional events
include the Fibre Optics Forum, Consulates Day, Career Day and the inaugural
Municipalities Day, offering further opportunities for dialogue and networking.
“This is a strong
start to E‑world. The high momentum in the sector is visible and tangible in
the exhibition halls,” said Stefanie Hamm, Managing Director of E‑world GmbH,
at the successful opening. “By Thursday, we expect guests from more than 80
nations – a new record.” At Messe Essen, trade visitors can experience the full
spectrum of the energy industry. International and regional energy suppliers
exhibit at E‑world alongside leading industrial companies, consultancies,
research institutions, associations and technology and IT providers.
At the opening press
conference of E‑world 2026 on the first day of the trade fair, the following
guests shared their assessments and expectations for E‑world and for the 2026
energy year:
Mona Neubaur, Minister
for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North
Rhine-Westphalia: “A secure, competitive and sustainable energy supply
requires reliability and investment certainty. Important course-setting
decisions will be made this year: measures such as reforming the Renewable
Energy Sources Act (EEG) support scheme, greater efficiency in grid access,
faster grid expansion and the design of a capacity mechanism are key pillars of
future energy policy. North Rhine-Westphalia is committed to making major
progress here. As the central meeting point, E‑world offers the right platform
to provide strong impetus and connect stakeholders. The sector shows here that
it is investing and shaping the future. This secures jobs, innovation and speed
in the transformation. In North Rhine–Westphalia, we are therefore working to
ensure predictability and employment. But the federal government is also called
upon to set the necessary framework for this.”
Ursula Heinen-Esser,
President of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE): “E‑world sends
a clear signal at the start of the year: renewable energies are setting the
pace for Germany’s energy supply. I am particularly pleased that the trade fair
takes place in my home state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Year after year, it
shows how the transformation can succeed at high speed when all stakeholders –
from politicians and authorities to companies – work together towards the goal
of an affordable, secure and renewable energy system.”
Kerstin Andreae, Chair
of the Executive Board of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries
(BDEW): “The energy transition is one of the key responses to geopolitical
uncertainty. Less dependence on imported fossil fuels strengthens the
sovereignty of Germany and Europe. At national and European level, the
energy-policy course must be set in a way that supports innovation and modernisation, thereby opening
up technological leadership and export opportunities for companies.”
Dr Markus Krebber, CEO
of RWE: “Demand for energy is growing, especially for electricity. We need
more generation capacity and a stronger focus on resilience. The solutions lie
in expanding technology and infrastructure and in innovative solutions. Over
the coming days, E‑world is the best place to discuss these questions.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service
