With the start of the application phase for “The smarter E AWARD 2026,” the search for outstanding innovations for the future of energy begins once again. Since December 1, 2025, companies have had the opportunity to submit their products, projects, and solutions. Submissions will be accepted until March 20, 2026. The winners will be announced on June 22, 2026, one day before the opening of the “The smarter E Europe 2026” trade fair alliance.

“The smarter E Europe” as a platform for players in the new energy world

The awards focus on groundbreaking developments for a renewable, networked energy supply. The awards recognize innovations in photovoltaics, energy storage, mobility, energy management, and flagship projects implemented worldwide. This brings one of the central concerns of “The smarter E Europe” to the fore: promoting progress that enables the transition to a climate-neutral energy supply around the clock.

Five categories reflect the diversity of the energy transition

The increasing interconnection of technologies is shaping both the energy and mobility markets. New solutions are emerging at interfaces where sectors converge and processes are being rethought. The five categories of The smarter E AWARD illustrate this dynamic:

• Photovoltaics: The focus here is on innovations from the solar industry, including solar cells, modules, PV components, mounting systems, trackers, and production technology.
• Energy Storage: Since energy storage systems form the backbone of climate-neutral supply, the award recognizes industry-shaping developments in storage technology, component manufacturing, and battery production.
• E-mobility: The focus is on contributions that strengthen the mobility transition, from charging infrastructure, intelligent charging systems, and electric vehicles to mobility services and drive batteries.
• Smart Integrated Energy: Awards are given to solutions that integrate renewable energies across sectors and control energy systems efficiently. Key topics include grid infrastructure, energy services, and flexible operator concepts.
• Outstanding Projects: This category recognizes flagship projects from around the world in the fields of photovoltaics, hydrogen, storage technology, grids, and mobility. The prerequisite for this is complete implementation between March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2026.

Conditions of participation for “The smarter E AWARD”

Submissions are open to all exhibitors at the global event series “The smarter E Europe” and its individual trade fairs. In addition, owners of plants or projects can participate in the “Outstanding Projects” category. The entries will be evaluated by an international jury of experts who will assess the level of innovation, pioneering achievement, and ecological and economic benefits of the contributions.