With new record numbers of visitors and exhibitors, E-world energy & water has reinforced its position as Europe’s leading trade fair for the energy industry: With 710 exhibitors from 30 nations, more companies and countries than ever before presented their solutions for the future of the energy industry at the trade fair, held from 7th to 9th February 2017 at Messe Essen/Germany. The solutions on show ranged from energy generation to trade, transport and storage through to efficiency and Smart Energy. Approximately 25,000 industry visitors – an increase of 4 % – from 74 nations used the E-world conference to learn new information, make new professional contacts and to network (Figure 1).
77 % of the industry visitors were decision-makers, primarily from energy supply companies, service providers, industry companies and public utility companies, all of which are directly involved in purchasing and procurement at their companies. This visitor structure was reflected in the satisfaction of the exhibitors. 96 % of companies awarded top marks for the quality of visitors, while 97 % were pleased with the outcome of their trade fair participation.
Visitors were able to discover new ideas for the future of the energy industry on a number of stands. An e-mobility cooperation between an energy company and a car rental company was debuted at the trade fair, which offers a complete package including an electric vehicle, charging station, maintenance service and eco-electricity tariff. A solution for the inspection of photovoltaic systems from the air, as well as a new standard for communication in the smart electricity network between the operators of virtual power stations and local technical units, e.g. micro-block heat and power plants, were also presented.
Smart Energy – the networking and control of electricity generation, storage systems and consumers – was the dominant topic for many exhibitors. 150 companies presented their solutions in this area alone. The trade fair was also an important platform for newer companies to make contacts in the industry. In the “E-world Innovation” community area, over 60 new companies and start-ups displayed their products and services.
The programme of expert forums at E-world was once again well attended. Experts from industry, politics and science had the opportunity to attend 25 conferences to learn about international market developments, sales, trade and energy legislation. The 21st congress on future energy was hosted by EnergieAgentur.NRW on the first day of the trade fair. Minister President of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hannelore Kraft, emphasised the importance of the energy transition and climate protection as a driver of progress for Germany’s most populated state. The event then focussed on topics such as opportunities and risks associated with a heating network expansion, future perspectives for the use of wind energy and photovoltaics as a key technology for energy generation in urban areas.
The first “Start-up Speed-Dating” event was targeted at the next generation of the energy industry. E-world and the “energieloft” innovation network provided company founders with an opportunity to present their concepts to potential capital providers, investors and cooperation partners. The careers forum on the final day was also well received and brought together students and graduates with HR managers from the energy industry.
On the “Day of the Consulates” on the first day of the trade fair, around 75 ambassadors, consuls general, consuls, economy attachés and employees from international delegations, business development cooperations and foreign chambers of trade and commerce had the opportunity to find out about the impact of the energy transition at an international level. The participants were international. Registrations were accepted from Australia and China, from Georgia, Jamaica, Japan and Cameroon to Rwanda, Tanzania and Hungary. The trade fair also welcomed delegations from Serbia and Afghanistan.
Visitors to E-world energy & water 2017 were impressed by the presence of market leaders and the wide range of topics covered at the trade fair. 93 % would recommend the trade fair and want to attend the next E-world. 95 % of exhibitors have already agreed to participate in the next
E-world, which will take place from 6th to 8th February 2018 at Messe Essen.
(E-world/Si.)