After three eventful trade fair days and inspiring conferences and forums, Europe's largest trade fair association for the energy industry once again set a new record: 3,008 exhibitors from 55 countries, i.e. over 500 more companies than in 2023, presented their latest product developments and applications for a renewable energy supply around the clock in a total of 19 exhibition halls and an outdoor area covering a total area of 206,000 square metres. Around 110,000 trade visitors from 176 nations discussed new solutions. That's 4,000 more interested visitors than last year, which was considered the most popular to date. There were also new records for the conferences and accompanying events: more than 2,500 participants from all over the world attended this year. This means that "The smarter E Europe" has once again succeeded in becoming even bigger and more international and demonstrating the full potential of renewable energies.
The message of the past trade fair and conference days is clear and positive: the reliable supply of people and the economy with electricity from renewable energies is technically and economically possible, around the clock, every day of the year. The technology required for this is already available on the market today. In many cases, economies of scale are causing prices to fall. There is a spirit of optimism across all industries and sectors: all players are highly motivated to drive the energy transition forward together. This year, "The smarter E Europe" focused in particular on intelligent, cross-sector networking, the increasing digitalisation and flexibilisation of the energy infrastructure, the continued dynamic global market ramp-up of renewable energies and electromobility as well as the boom in battery-electric storage systems.
"The smarter E Europe" receives support from politicians and celebrities
In order for the transformation process towards a climate-neutral economy to be as comprehensive, efficient and smooth as possible, all players need the right political and administrative framework conditions. During his visit to the trade fair, Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, pledged the support of his ministry for the future and took a look into the future: "I’m impressed with the industry’s progress and innovative power,” he said. “The exhibitors presenting photovoltaics, battery and storage products, and combined digital solutions demonstrated vividly that we already have the technology for a 100 percent renewable energy supply, and that this is also financially viable. The government is creating the conditions necessary to accelerate the development of these technologies and their introduction to the market. With Solar Package 1, we just recently took another important step in that direction. We now have to implement the Net-Zero Industry Act as quickly as possible, so that we can become more resilient and to make Europe more independent from a technological, energy policy and strategic standpoint.”
The presence of celebrities also emphasised the relevance of the event. The smarter E Europe was attended by other political figures such as Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, and Hollywood stars such as Cate Blanchett, Oscar winner, climate protection activist and actress. They accompanied the "We Choose Earth Tour 2024" organised by Portuguese energy supplier EDP, which took place as part of "The smarter E Europe" conference.
Record numbers ensure satisfaction among organisers
The organisers of "The smarter E Europe" also emphasised the dynamism of the industry: “The fact that we’ve once again broken our own records in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers is a clear sign that the energy transition has gathered considerable momentum in recent years, and is continuing to do so. This year has shown us that the vision of a renewable 24/7 energy supply is taking shape and becoming a reality. Our exhibitors and visitors will carry this message out into the world and continue to drive the energy transition forward in their respective countries,” says Markus Elsässer, CEO of Solar Promotion, who organizes "The smarter E Europe" alongside Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe (FWTM). “The decarbonization of industry, and of life in general, is a global challenge that can only be met if we all work together,” adds FWTM’s CEO Hanna Böhme. “Once again, ,The smarter E Europe' in Munich has created a significant platform for bringing together talent, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, all eager to meet, share, trade and inspire each other. The inspiration that this event has both generated and spread will help us on our journey towards the energy world of tomorrow.”
It continues: Next "The smarter E Europe" is taking place from May 7 - 9 2025.
