Six exhibition halls fully booked with more than 1,100 exhibitors
E‑world energy & water 2026 has opened at Messe Essen with an impressive start. More than 1,100 exhibitors from Germany and abroad are presenting their solutions for tomorrow’s energy supply from today through Thursday – more than ever before. The 15% increase in exhibitors compared with last year underlines E‑world’s role as the central industry platform for the European energy sector. The strong growth is also reflected in the hall occupancy. For the first time, E‑world is opening Hall 6 as well as Entrance Mitte.
“This is a strong start to E‑world. The high momentum in the sector is visible and tangible in the exhibition halls,” said Stefanie Hamm, Managing Director of E‑world GmbH, at the successful opening. “By Thursday, we expect guests from more than 80 nations – a new record.” At Messe Essen, trade visitors can experience the full spectrum of the energy industry. International and regional energy suppliers exhibit at E‑world alongside leading industrial companies, consultancies, research institutions, associations and technology and IT providers.
They are showcasing their products and services – from energy generation to energy trading and sales, grids and infrastructure, metering and measurement systems, artificial intelligence, digitalization and platform-based business models, the hydrogen economy, storage technologies and electromobility, through to energy efficiency and climate protection. “Here too, E‑world has further increased its international profile,” reports Sabina Großkreuz, also Managing Director of E‑world GmbH. “The share of exhibitors from abroad is more than 30%.”
Young, innovative companies also provide important impetus: this is why the “Innovation” area in Hall 4 occupies around 40% more exhibition space than last year, giving numerous start-ups and founding teams a stage.
Comprehensive program: expert forums, events and special formats
The industry’s current topics are also reflected in the supporting program of E‑world 2026, which complements the trade fair with a wide range of dialogue and networking formats. In the four expert forums – Change Forum (Hall 4), New Energy Systems Forum (Hall 5), Future Forum (Hall 5) and Climate Solutions Forum (Hall 6) – located directly in the exhibition halls, experts will focus on key future issues on all days of the trade fair. Access is already included in the admission ticket.
The program is rounded off by further events such as the Fibre Optics Forum (10 February), the international networking format Consulates Day (11 February), the young talent event Career Day (12 February) and the first-ever Municipalities Day (12 February).
E‑world energy & water is open on 10 and 11 February from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on 12 February from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Further information about the trade fair and tickets are available at: www.e-world-essen.com
At the opening press conference of E‑world 2026 on the first day of the trade fair, the following guests shared their assessments and expectations for E‑world and for the 2026 energy year:
Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: “A secure, competitive and sustainable energy supply requires reliability and investment certainty. Important course-setting decisions will be made this year: measures such as reforming the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) support scheme, greater efficiency in grid access, faster grid expansion and the design of a capacity mechanism are key pillars of future energy policy. North Rhine-Westphalia is committed to making major progress here. As the central meeting point, E‑world offers the right platform to provide strong impetus and connect stakeholders. The sector shows here that it is investing and shaping the future. This secures jobs, innovation and speed in the transformation. In North Rhine–Westphalia, we are therefore working to ensure predictability and employment. But the federal government is also called upon to set the necessary framework for this.”
Ursula Heinen-Esser, President of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE): “E‑world sends a clear signal at the start of the year: renewable energies are setting the pace for Germany’s energy supply. I am particularly pleased that the trade fair takes place in my home state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Year after year, it shows how the transformation can succeed at high speed when all stakeholders – from politicians and authorities to companies – work together towards the goal of an affordable, secure and renewable energy system.”
Kerstin Andreae, Chair of the Executive Board of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW): “The energy transition is one of the key responses to geopolitical uncertainty. Less dependence on imported fossil fuels strengthens the sovereignty of Germany and Europe. At national and European level, the energy-policy course must be set in a way that supports innovation and modernization, thereby opening up technological leadership and export opportunities for companies.”
Dr Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG: “Demand for energy is growing, especially for electricity. We need more generation capacity and a stronger focus on resilience. The solutions lie in expanding technology and infrastructure and in innovative solutions. Over the coming days, E‑world is the best place to discuss these questions.”