The global boom in renewable energies continues and is gaining further momentum. Even the drop in prices of fossil fuels in recent months and quarters does not change this. Renewable energies are growing and becoming increasingly cheaper. According to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the cost of solar power from large-scale plants is 56 percent lower than that of the cheapest fossil fuel. From 2010 to 2023, the cost of solar energy will fall by 90 percent. The continued positive development of the industry is reflected in the registration figures for the trade fair alliance “The smarter E Europe”. Seven months before it begins, more than 90 percent of the 19 halls and the outdoor exhibition area at Messe München are already booked up.
The rapid cost development in the field of solar energy is mainly due to the drop in prices of photovoltaic modules. These became 93 percent cheaper between 2009 and 2023. Other costs, such as those for inverters and assembly systems, have also fallen significantly. A similar development can be observed in the area of battery storage. This technology, which is essential for a 24/7 supply of renewable energies, has become 89 percent cheaper between 2010 and 2023. In order for the expansion of photovoltaics and wind power to continue to grow strongly, the infrastructures must now grow with it and become increasingly intelligent in the process. Digitalization and flexibility are the key factors for efficient grids and markets in the energy world of tomorrow and beyond.
Forecast: solar will overtake fossil fuels in 2028
It is estimated that the use of solar energy between 2000 and 2023 saved around 78 billion dollars in fossil fuel costs worldwide. The savings through all renewable energies are estimated at 409 billion dollars. And this is just the beginning: the European solar association Solar Power Europe predicts continued dynamic growth in the construction of PV systems in the coming years. According to this forecast, global installed solar power capacity will reach 5,117 gigawatts by 2028. This would be more than the current installed capacity of all coal, gas, oil and nuclear power plants combined, which is around 4,930 gigawatts.
“The smarter E Europe” expects more than 3,000 exhibitors
The smarter E Europe consists of four exhibitions: Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe. The organizers expect more than 3,000 exhibitors, including all the relevant market and technology leaders such as Catl, Huawei, LG, Longi, Samsung and Siemens. These will attract more than 110,000 visitors over the three days of the exhibition from May 7 to 9, 2025 in Munich. An extensive and varied supporting program, specialist conferences and seven exhibition forums make the exhibitions a place for exchange and discussion. A special show on the future topic of bidirectional charging is new for next year.
The organizers, Solar Promotion and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe, are looking forward to the event. Markus Elsässer, founder and CEO of Solar Promotion, explains: “Next year, The smarter E Europe and its sub-exhibitions will once again demonstrate that the energy transition is not only possible, but is quickly becoming a reality. Falling costs and technological advances in recent years have put renewables into the fast lane. Each year, our exhibitions offer exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to get an overview of the solutions, business models and applications and to gain insights into global trends and innovations.” Hanna Böhme, Managing Director of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe, adds: “The smarter E Europe 2025 will be a place and space for global discussions and cooperation. Its exhibitions, forums and panels provide a platform for people to work together to create a climate-neutral energy future. Munich is the place where projects are brought underway.”
