Europe's leading trade fair for the energy industry ended with new records: At E-world, 923 exhibitors from 30 nations showcased their solutions for the energy supply of tomorrow at Messe Essen from February 20 to 22. Together with around 30,000 trade visitors - another new record - they focused on current topics in the energy industry. "With E-world, we have once again provided an indispensable networking platform for the market and successfully connected players from the energy sector, industry and politics," said Stefanie Hamm, Managing Director of E-world. "Throughout all three days, the trade halls saw a high level of attendance and were characterized by intensive discussions among international business partners from 72 nations - another new record, by the way."
Her Managing Director colleague Sabina Großkreuz adds: "The strong response from exhibitors and visitors shows that it was right and important for E-world to return to its traditional annual kick-off date. This is where the industry's decision-makers meet at the beginning of the year, set important milestones and discuss current topics." Trade visitors particularly praised the extensive presence of market leaders at E-world, the high level of internationality of the trade fair and the comprehensive range of products and services on offer.
The importance of E-world is also underlined by Laurent Vivier, Senior Vice President (SVP) Trading Power for TotalEnergies: „We are very glad to have returned to E-world in 2024! As one of the fastest moving company in energy and more particularly in electricity, it is so important to reconnect with our trading peers, meet our clients and discuss partnerships. In Europe, we invest around renewables and flexible assets in order to secure a clean, diversified and affordable energy supply for our customers. Together at E-world, we are shaping the future of energy in Europe!”
From storage to AI: the energy industry showcased concrete solutions at E-world
Visitors to E-world had the opportunity to experience firsthand how the energy transition can be further shaped and accelerated. Exhibitors showcased their storage technologies and presented options for the large-scale use of photovoltaics, among other solutions. Hydrogen was also an important topic at many booths. Hans Jonk, Managing Director of Gasunie: "Gasunie has been a loyal exhibitor at E-world in Essen for many years. It always provides us with interesting (inter)national contacts. The profile of the visitors matches Gasunie's profile perfectly. This is very important for us, especially now that we are in transition from being a gas transport company to transporting renewable gases such as hydrogen, green gas, heat and also CCS."
To efficiently connect all these components - different energy sources, producers, and consumers - digital innovations play a significant role. Companies showcased, among other things, apps for the mandatory dynamic electricity tariffs from 2025 onwards and also highlighted applications for artificial intelligence, such as in the customer communication of energy providers.
Transformation is a key topic for the industry
In the discussions at the trade fair stands and in many events, it became clear that the transformation of the industry is the defining topic. Katrin Fuhrmann, Head of Origination at ENGIE: "For a successful transformation to climate neutrality, several elements need to come together: renewable energy generation using different technologies, green energy storage and distribution on the one hand. On the other hand, we need the know-how in energy industry and energy technology to make green energy usable for industry and municipalities. We addressed all these topics at our trade fair stand. We were particularly pleased with the great interest in flexibility marketing and hydrogen along the entire value chain this year."
The opening press conference of E-world on the first day of the trade fair also showed which aspects of the energy transition are currently of particular concern to the industry. Kerstin Andreae, Chairwoman of the Management Board and member of the Presidium of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), mentioned the fastest possible expansion of renewable energies and the storage capacities required for this, as well as the need for hydrogen as a bridging technology, among other things. Michael Lewis, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer of Uniper SE, pointed out the importance of blue hydrogen for the energy transition. Kerstin Maria Rippel, Managing Director of the Economic Association of Steel, addressed the burden of high energy prices on energy-intensive industry.
E-world program: forums and congresses very well attended
There was also great interest in the E-world program. Experts from all areas of the energy industry and related sectors came together at more than 50 events to discuss current developments and promising projects in the energy transition and to drive it forward together.
The day before the trade fair, decision-makers from the industry met at the "Energy Leadership Meeting" to discuss prespectives for the energy world of tomorrow. The fiber optic forum on the first day of the trade fair was fully booked, with speakers discussing successful fiber optic expansion under changed conditions. The day of consulates had an international focus, with 65 ambassadors, consuls general, consuls, and representatives from economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and SMEs from 25 nations using the second day of the fair to forge important contacts with companies at Europe's leading energy trade fair and to network among themselves.
Trade visitors had the opportunity to find out about various aspects of the energy industry at four forums directly at the trade fair. Around 340 speakers provided valuable input on all three days of the trade fair. In addition, the podcast stage celebrated its successful premiere on Thursday. All offerings were well received, and the international presentations in particular were very well attended.
E-world contributes to addressing skills shortages
The energy industry requires skilled professionals for the energy transition. E-world has been making an important contribution to recruiting young talent for years with its own format for school pupils, students and young professionals. This year, the Career Day presented itself in a new format and with a record response. The event brought together over 700 young talents with companies from the energy industry. Entertaining discussions with CEOs of major corporations, personal conversations with company representatives and interactive activities inspired guests and gave them insights into career paths in the energy sector.
High return visit intentions among visitors and exhibitors
Just how satisfied the participants were with E-world 2024 is shown by the high level of intentions to return. 95 percent of trade visitors also want to attend the next E-world energy & water, which will take place at Messe Essen from February 11 to 13, 2025. The feedback from exhibitors is also extremely positive: 97.1 percent of companies have indicated that they want to participate again next year.
E-world 2024: figures in detail
E-world is jointly organized by con|energy and Messe Essen. It recorded 923 exhibiting companies from 30 nations. Including the extrapolation of the last day of the trade fair, there were over 30,000 registered trade visitors (FKM). In addition to international participants, the extensive supporting programs were also attended by guests of honour and the media, among others. The proportion of trade visitors was 99 percent.