New highlights with joint country pavilions and Municipalities Day
E‑world energy & water is further expanding its role as the leading international trade fair for the energy industry while also focusing on the municipal level. From February 10 to 12, 2026, exhibitors from 33 nations will present their solutions for the energy transition at Messe Essen – including, for the first time, international joint pavilions from the Netherlands and Switzerland. With the newly introduced Municipalities Day on February 12, the trade fair is also creating its own platform for cities, municipalities, and municipal companies.
“E‑world is the central location for cross-border exchange. New joint country pavilions, international delegations, and a program with a strong European focus show that innovations in the energy industry today arise from international dialogue,” explains Stefanie Hamm, Managing Director of E‑world. Her fellow Managing Director Sabina Großkreuz adds: “At the same time, we are deliberately focusing on the municipal level. Cities and municipalities are planning and implementing the energy transition locally. This is where the decisive course is being set.”
International joint pavilions pool global expertise
With exhibitors from 33 nations, E‑world 2026 underscores its international appeal. This is particularly evident in the new national joint pavilions: for the first time, the Netherlands and Switzerland will be presenting themselves with their own pavilions, complemented by established joint stands from Japan and Sweden. These country presentations promote targeted access to innovative solutions and facilitate exchange between suppliers and trade visitors.
Four forums in the exhibition halls with a European program
The international focus is also reflected in the supporting program: specialist presentations focusing on European energy markets and international best practices highlight the interconnected nature of the energy industry. The call for start-ups also underscores the global reach of the trade fair: young companies from the Netherlands, India, the UK, Portugal, France, and Sweden will be presenting their innovative solutions. More than half of the program will be held in English, with all other contributions interpreted.
Cross-border networking on Day of Consulates
A special highlight is the Day of Consulates, which has become an integral part of the supporting program. Representatives from embassies, consulates, economic development agencies, and chambers of commerce can look forward to a varied program on February 11. Thomas Kufen, Mayor of the City of Essen, and Nathanael Laminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery, will welcome the guests – including participants from Japan, Canada, Serbia, Great Britain, the USA, Scotland, Ireland, and Tunisia.
Municipalities Day: New platform for local energy transition stakeholders
While expanding its international reach, E‑world is also placing a clear focus on the municipal level. With Municipalities Day on February 12, 2026, the trade fair is creating its own platform specifically for cities, municipalities, municipal companies, and housing associations for the first time.
The agenda is specifically tailored to the needs of municipal stakeholders, with a focus on the direct exchange of concrete practical experiences. Specialist presentations and discussion panels on three stages will address key topics such as municipal heat planning, digitalization, and smart city concepts. The program will be complemented by matchmaking formats with the speakers, themed tables with exhibitors, and a hackathon with start-ups. Municipal representatives will receive free admission to E‑world on February 12.