Hall 6 and the Entrance Mitte open for the first time
E‑world energy & water 2026 reinforces its position as the most important industry platform for the European energy sector with a new record number of exhibitors. From 10 to 12 February, more than 1,100 exhibitors from 33 countries will present their innovations and solutions for the energy transition in Essen. This 15 per cent increase compared with the previous year highlights E‑world’s growing international standing as a leading international trade fair.
The strong growth is also reflected in the use of exhibition space. For the first time, E‑world will open Hall 6 as well as the Entrance Mitte. As a result, the trade fair will occupy Halls 1 through 6 and the connecting Galeria, providing access via three entrances.
The exhibition halls showcase the full spectrum of the energy industry. International and regional energy utilities will be represented alongside leading industrial companies, consulting firms, research institutions, associations, and technology and IT providers. They will present products and services ranging from energy generation, trading, and sales to grids and infrastructure, metering and measurement systems, artificial intelligence, digitalization and platform models, the hydrogen economy, storage technologies, and electric mobility, as well as energy efficiency and climate protection.
Young, innovative companies also provide important momentum. As a result, the “Innovation” area in Hall 4 will occupy around 40 percent more exhibition space than last year, offering a prominent stage for numerous start-ups and founding teams.
Artificial Intelligence and digitalization as the foundation for transformation processes
Despite the wide range of exhibitors and topics at E‑world, artificial intelligence and digitalization are omnipresent across nearly all segments of the industry. Intelligent forecasting, automated processes, and data-driven control help operate complex energy systems efficiently and reliably. E‑world exhibitors demonstrate how artificial intelligence and digital twins support forecasting, load management, and grid planning, ensuring the secure integration of renewable energy sources into existing systems. Digital tools such as cloud-based IT infrastructures, smart meter and measurement systems, as well as solutions for market communication and billing, will also be presented, providing transparency and stability in day-to-day operations.
Comprehensive program: expert forums, events, and special formats
Current industry topics are also reflected in the supporting program of E‑world 2026, which complements the exhibition with a wide range of dialogue and networking formats. Across four expert forums—the Change Forum (Hall 4), New Energy Systems Forum (Hall 5), Future Forum (Hall 5), and Climate Solutions Forum (Hall 6)—industry experts will address key future challenges on all three days of the trade fair, directly in the exhibition halls. Access to the forums is included in the trade fair ticket.
The program is rounded out by additional events such as the Energy Leadership Meeting (February 9), the Fiber Optic Forum (February 10), the international exchange format Consulates Day (February 11), the young professionals event Career Day (February 12), and the Municipalities Day, which will take place for the first time on February 12. A daily updated overview of the program is available online in the E‑world Community.