The smarter E Europe: Complete success and good atmosphere in Munich

A total of 2,737 exhibitors from 57 countries presented their technologies, business models, and market-ready solutions to a broad audience at this year's The smarter E Europe. The leading European trade fair for solar energy, storage technologies, electromobility, and the intelligent integration of the sun into the energy system of tomorrow now fills all the halls at the Munich exhibition center. In addition, there are vast outdoor areas, which were also lavishly utilized for exhibitors' booths.

Visitors from 157 countries in Munich

The mood at the trade fair was excellent. Forecasts predict slower market growth than in recent years. The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) predicts a stagnating market for 2025, with new installations of approximately 17.5 gigawatts. Solarpower Europe anticipates new installations of approximately 85.2 gigawatts in Europe in 2025, up from 83.6 gigawatts installed last year. Nevertheless, around 107,000 trade visitors, including planners, tradespeople, and investors, came to Munich to explore the latest developments and future solutions, engage in in-depth discussions, initiate partnerships, and secure materials for future projects. Visitors came from 157 countries around the world.

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Renewables are relevant factors in the energy system

The accompanying technical program also attracted considerable interest. Over 2,600 visitors attended the presentations at the trade fair's various forums. The trade fair once again demonstrated that energy systems are becoming increasingly complex, interconnected, and integrated. Sectors and industries are no longer simply coupled. They are converging in a decentralized, digital, and intelligent way, according to the organizer, Solar Promotion. This is creating a dynamic, integrated system in which the energy transition is taking place in a real and economic way. Renewable energies are no longer a complementary element – ​​they have already become a relevant factor in many markets and are increasingly determining how energy systems are structured.

The smarter E Europe: Innovative solutions and projects awarded

Blueprint for the energy world of the future

Markus Elsässer, Managing Director of Solar Promotion, looks back confidently on the three successful days of the trade fair. "Our four trade fairs complement each other in terms of both thematic breadth and depth," he says. "This year, The smarter E Europe was once again the blueprint for the climate-neutral energy world of the future. The path to get there is clear; the technologies and solutions are available. Now it's a matter of consistently pursuing this path. Because we are the energy system."

Bidirectional charging as a special topic

Markus Elsässer highlights another particular highlight of this year's event. "I'm delighted with the tremendous attention and positive response our special exhibition 'Bidirectional Charging' has received. This has demonstrated one of our greatest strengths: We're at the cutting edge and, together with the industry, are addressing the right topics at the right time," he emphasizes.

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Good atmosphere at the trade fair

Jens Mohrmann, Managing Director of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe (FWTM) and co-organizer of the trade fair, also spoke of a very special atmosphere during the exhibition. "Despite the current challenges in some areas of the industry, the mood at The smarter E Europe was consistently extremely positive," he described. "You could clearly sense that the thinkers, doers, and decision-makers gathered there are full of energy and confidence working on advancing the energy transition. The event once again demonstrated how strongly the industry stands together and with what passion and innovative strength it is driving the energy transition forward.

Next trade fair in June 2025

He is already looking forward to the next trade fair next year. The solar and storage industries, as well as providers of solutions for electromobility and sector coupling, will meet again at the Munich Exhibition Center from June 23 to 25, 2025. The trade fair will then take place from Tuesday to Thursday for the first time.