Sun, wind, and other renewable sources are providing an ever-increasing share of electricity in more and more countries. But the faster the expansion, the more complex the overall energy system becomes. The challenge is no longer in generation alone - we need an intelligent, flexible and coordinated way to integrate fluctuating amounts of electricity into a stable, reliable and cross-sector system. This is where "The smarter E Europe" comes in. This year, Europe's largest trade fair alliance for the energy industry will focus on the key themes of the energy transition - flexibilization, digitalization and sector coupling.
Around 3,000 exhibitors and more than 110,000 trade visitors from all over the world will come together from May 7 to 9, 2025, to fill the Munich Trade Fair Center to capacity. With its four parallel exhibitions Intersolar Europe, "ees Europe", "Power2Drive Europe" and EM-Power Europe, "The smarter E Europe" is an international showcase for innovations, business models and technologies along the entire value chain of the energy industry. Whether through the exhibitions, associated forums or conferences, the high-caliber supporting program addresses current trends, political agendas and technological developments.
Octopus Energy Group CEO Greg Jackson kicks off conference with opening keynote
An opening keynote by Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy Group, will kick off the conference. Industry leaders will then discuss how to achieve a reliable 24/7 renewable energy supply through storage technology, cross-sector approaches and digital solutions. Other sessions at the Intersolar Europe Conference will focus on building a robust global solar market through international cooperation, knowledge transfer and innovative business models, supported by the presentation of the Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025-2029. In addition, a joint session of the Intersolar Europe Conference and the ees Europe Conference will focus on the quality dimension of modern battery storage systems - from operational safety and efficiency to a lifetime that exceeds current standards. The EM-Power Europe Conference will also focus on how to steer the upcoming grid investments - around €170 billion by 2030, according to the EU - towards digitization, AI and cross-sector grid intelligence.
At the end of the first day of the conference, "The smarter E AWARD" - the prestigious industry award for energy and mobility innovations - will highlight innovations and projects that are the driving force behind a sustainable energy world. Companies that are shaping our transition to a 24/7 renewable energy supply with groundbreaking technologies and ideas will be recognized in five categories - Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, E-Mobility, Smart Integrated Energy and Outstanding Projects. "The smarter E AWARD" will be presented on the eve of the opening day of "The smarter E Europe" on May 6, 2025 at the International Congress Center Munich. The ceremony is free of charge for those who wish to attend.
Seven exhibition forums: Real-time knowledge transfer
Besides the conferences, "The smarter E Europe" offers seven exhibition forums on all three exhibition days with a compact, practical and solution-oriented program. Here, experts will address technology trends, regulatory developments and market-relevant topics - all within the context of the exhibition and directly at the interface between product and application. A special highlight is the new ees Innovation Hub Stage, which brings together research institutes, innovative exhibitors, market players and opinion leaders. The focus will be on battery storage technology, disruptive concepts and future-oriented business models, all presented in a dynamic format that combines dialogue, innovation and implementation.
Technology meets practice: Bidirectional charging special exhibition
One of the key highlights of "The smarter E Europe" side event program is the first-ever special exhibit on bidirectional charging. It focuses on one of the most promising concepts for achieving greater grid stability and flexibility in the energy system: the integration of electric vehicles as mobile storage systems. While the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources is steadily increasing, its systemic use has so far fallen short of its potential - especially when it comes to the grid-serving use of battery capacity. This is where the special exhibition comes in. On all three days of the show, visitors to Hall C6 - directly adjacent to the "Power2Drive Forum" - will be able to gain in-depth insights into the technology, business models and use cases. Daily guided tours (at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and topical presentations round out the program. The special exhibition is supported by leading industry and research partners and marks an important step towards a cross-sector, flexible energy landscape.
Great anticipation among organizers
As the start of "The smarter E Europe 2025" draws closer, there is a great sense of anticipation among the organizers. Jens Mohrmann, CEO of Freiburg Wirtschaft, Touristik und Messe (FWTM), explains: Jens Mohrmann, CEO of Freiburg Wirtschaft, Touristik und Messe (FWTM), explains: “Just like last year, 206,000 square meters of space across the 19 exhibition halls as well as the Outdoor Area of Messe München will be at full capacity. That is the absolute maximum. And, in my mind, that is a clear sign that the topics addressed at The smarter E Europe represent pressing current issues and that global interest remains rife.”
Markus Elsässer, Founder and CEO of Solar Promotion, adds: “For a few days, Munich will once again become the epicenter of the energy world. Visionaries, innovators, major players and decision makers from all continents will come together here to exchange thoughts, strike up discussions, form and strengthen collaborations, and turn ideas into reality. The energy transition will come to life at The smarter E Europe, and the momentum radiating out from Munich will be felt the world over.”
